First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Partners with NPC and UNICEF to Enhance Birth Registration in Nigeria
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), is partnering with the National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to intensify efforts to improve birth registration across Nigeria. This collaboration aims to address gaps in the registration process and ensure every Nigerian child receives their first official identity, which is crucial for accessing government services such as education and healthcare.
To further these efforts, preparations are underway for the launch of the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate for the year 2024. The event, scheduled for August 29, 2024, is expected to be a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing initiative to provide Nigerian children with a foundational identity from birth.
NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra shared insights about the upcoming launch following a meeting with development partners at the First Lady’s office in Abuja. He emphasized that this commemorative event, while aligned with global standards, is uniquely significant as it will be spearheaded by the First Lady herself. “We had a productive discussion with her, and I believe this event will kickstart a comprehensive drive for birth registration, providing Nigerian children with their first identity and ensuring they have access to essential government services,” Kwarra stated.
Closing Gaps in Birth Registration
Chief Child Protection Officer for UNICEF, Ibrahim Sesay, who also attended the meeting, underscored the importance of the initiative in closing existing gaps in birth registration. He highlighted that the lack of comprehensive birth registration has hindered data-driven development planning for children in Nigeria. “We have not fully met our obligations in this regard. The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) led by the First Lady provides a robust platform to accelerate birth registration starting from August 29th across all parts of Nigeria,” Sesay explained.
Digital Transformation of Civil Registration
Mr. Adedayo Bankole, Managing Director of Barnksforte Technologies Limited and technical partner to the NPC, discussed the digitization of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCVRS) system. He pointed out that the system would play a crucial role in establishing a secure, foundational identity for every child in Nigeria. The eCVRS system will also integrate seamlessly with other identity management agencies, such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and provide easy access to immunization records and other government social welfare services.
Bankole further emphasized the importance of the system’s interoperability and its potential to enhance the authenticity and reliability of national documents for verification purposes. This modernization effort is seen as a critical step toward improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s civil registration processes.
Official Launch Details
According to a statement released by the First Lady’s spokeswoman, Busola Kukoyi, the official launch of the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate will take place on Thursday, August 29, in Abuja. This event marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen civil registration and provide every child with a recognized legal identity from birth, thereby paving the way for improved access to essential services and a better quality of life.
By integrating digital solutions and leveraging strategic partnerships, this initiative aims to ensure that no child in Nigeria is left undocumented, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
