NPC emphasises civil registration digitalization for enhanced inclusion

The National Population Commission (NPC) has emphasized the importance of strengthening the linkage between Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and legal identity systems through digitalization.

The Chairman of the NPC, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, stated this during his speech on Monday in Abuja at the 2024 Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day commemoration. He highlighted the significance of CRVS in promoting good governance, human rights, and sustainable development.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Strengthening the Linkage of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics to Legal Identity Systems through Digitalization for Enhanced Inclusion,” underscores the need for a modern and inclusive CRVS system.

He said, “A robust and integrated CRVS system is crucial for ensuring universal coverage and accessibility. We must leverage digital technologies to ensure that all Nigerians have access to essential services and benefits.”

Kwarra noted that Nigeria has made significant progress in improving its CRVS system but emphasized that more needs to be done. “We recognize the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient public awareness. However, we are committed to addressing these challenges through innovative solutions and partnerships,” he said.

The NPC Chairman also highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations.

 

“We must work together to ensure that all Nigerians have access to essential services and benefits through a functional CRVS system,” he urged.

The commemoration of CRVS Day is a result of the recommendation by the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration, held in Nouakchott, Mauritania, in 2017 and endorsed by the Executive Council of the African Union in 2018.

ALSO READ: Oyo youths trained on generative AI

As Nigeria moves forward in strengthening its CRVS system, the NPC remains committed to ensuring that all Nigerians are counted, included, and empowered through accurate and reliable data.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasized the need for strengthened civil registration and vital statistics systems in Nigeria, particularly for marginalized children.

Speaking at the Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day commemoration, UNICEF Representative Cristian Munduate stated, “Legal identity is a fundamental human right and a gateway to services. By linking civil registration and vital statistics, we ensure that individuals have official recognition, access to social services, participation in economic activities, and the ability to assert legal claims.”

Munduate highlighted the importance of creating an institutional link between birth registration and National Identity Registration, allocating a Unique Number or National Identity Number (NIN) at birth to every child in Nigeria.

He also emphasized the need for Public-Private Partnership arrangements for digital systems to strengthen government capacities and sustain efforts in providing services to all children, including those in hard-to-reach areas.

The theme of the commemoration, “Strengthening the Linkage of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics to Legal Identity Systems through Digitalization for Enhanced Inclusion,” underscores the pivotal role of digital integration in harmonizing civil registration and vital statistics systems with legal identity structures.

UNICEF’s call to action aims to drive positive change, promote inclusion, and contribute to the African development agenda through strengthened civil registration and vital statistics systems and legal identity frameworks.