Why is UNICEF Promoting Online Birth Registration in Nigeria?

Imagine a child born in a bustling city or a quiet village in Nigeria, their very existence unknown to the nation’s records. This scenario is more common than you might think. 

That’s why UNICEF is pushing hard for online birth registration in Nigeria, making sure every child’s right to an identity is safeguarded.

The push for digital solutions

During a recent two-day media dialogue in Lagos, organized by UNICEF alongside the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the National Population Commission (NPC), the urgent need for digital birth registration took center stage. 

The gathering, themed “A Media Dialogue to Drive E-Birth Registration in South-West Nigeria,” was not just a routine meeting. It was a crucial convergence of minds focused on integrating technology with essential civic processes.

Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office for South-West Nigeria, stressed the importance of this digital leap. “E-birth registration is critical for national planning and development,” she explained. It ensures that every child is recognized and included in our national statistics, which are indispensable for effective governance and fair resource distribution.

What to expect

Imagine planning a party without knowing how many guests to expect. That’s the challenge Nigeria faces without accurate birth registration. 

This digital initiative is seen as a game-changer. It aims to bring about a future where government policies and resources are perfectly aligned with the demographic realities of its population.

Denis Onoise, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, shed light on some ambitious targets: registering over nine million children under five and four million infants under one year. “Collaboration with primary health centers is key to achieving these goals,” he pointed out, emphasizing the need for teamwork in reaching out to every child, especially in remote areas.

Interestingly, rural areas currently show higher registration rates compared to urban centers—78.9% against 44.8%. One innovative solution proposed is to integrate birth registration with the National Identification Number (NIN). This strategy could enhance data accuracy and extend coverage across the nation.

Streamlining for the future

Bamidele Sadiku, NPC’s Lagos State Director, highlighted another significant benefit: reducing duplicate registrations. By linking the e-birth registration system with NIN, every child’s identity can be uniquely and reliably recorded. “This linkage will not only prevent duplications but also ensure that every child’s rights are protected from the start,” Sadiku noted.

The media, along with local government and community leaders, play a crucial role in this transformative journey. By raising awareness and educating parents and guardians about the importance of registering their children, they can drive the success of this initiative.

Toyin Oke, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development, represented by Adeola Olabisi, emphasized the state’s commitment to this cause. “We are dedicated to securing our children’s futures through robust e-birth registration processes,” Oke affirmed.

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