…as speaker Abbas reiterate importance of accurate data for development, security
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has urged the adoption of a technology-driven approach to the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital records, stressing that reliable data remains essential for effective national planning, governance, and security.
The Speaker stated this during a public hearing on “A bill for an act to repeal the birth, death,etc (compulsory registration) Act, CAP 89, LFN, 2024 and to re-enact the birth, death etc (compulsory registration) Act 2024. To provide for electronic civil registration and vital statistics system and for related matters, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaker Abbas who was represented by Rep. Godwin Offiono from Cross River State, explained that the proposed law aims to transform Nigeria’s civil registration system through the introduction of an electronic framework for the collection, storage, and management of vital statistics.
He noted that digitising the registration process would not only ensure more accurate and timely data but also support evidence-based decision-making across all levels of government, thereby promoting development and improving service delivery to citizens.
“Accurate and timely registration of births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, and other vital events is essential for national planning, social development, and good governance.
“The current Act was made for a different era—one without digital tools or modern data systems”, Abbas said.
The Speaker observed that Nigeria’s circumstances have significantly changed over the years, with rapid population growth, increasing migration, and a rising need for data-driven policymaking. These developments, he said, make it imperative for the country to adopt a modern system that aligns with international best practices and United Nations standards.
He explained that introducing an electronic registration framework will help curb duplication and fraud, strengthen identity management, and ensure citizens across all regions have easier access to essential documents such as birth and death certificates.
Speaker Abbas emphasised that a modern, technology-based Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system will enhance the accuracy and integrity of national data while improving efficiency and transparency in record management.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Rep. Odimayo Okunjimi, noted that the current legal framework governing civil registration in Nigeria is outdated and no longer suitable for the demands of a digital era.
He emphasised the need for urgent reform to establish a robust, reliable, and technology-driven system capable of supporting effective governance and national planning.
“Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics, the nation cannot effectively plan or deliver social services.
“This Bill will establish a unified, modern system that reflects today’s realities and future needs”, Okunjimi stated.
Okunjimi said that the current Act, is not just obsolete but designed for a time when population mobility, digital recordkeeping, and demographic planning were at a very different stage.
According to him, Weak data integration between federal and state systems, and an absence of digital infrastructure for secure and accessible recordkeeping.
The Chairman said that Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), the nation would lack the foundation for effective planning, social services delivery, and population management.
He said :”This Bill seeks to repeal the existing law and re-enact a modern, comprehensive, and technology-driven framework that reflects present realities and future needs.”
Okunjimi explained that the bill is tailored to Establish a unified national system for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, and other vital events.
“Clarify institutional responsibilities, ensuring effective coordination between the National Population Commission, state registries, local government councils, and relevant ministries,” he said.
He said that the reform of Nigeria’s vital registration system is not just a bureaucratic exercise, but a national imperative.
Okunjimi reiterated that the modernization of this Act, would strengthen identity Management, improve governance, enhance national security, and build a data-driven foundation for sustainable development.
He added that the bill will also clarify institutional roles, ensuring stronger coordination between the National Population Commission (NPC), state registries, and local government councils.
Also speaking, the federal Commissioner representing Adamawa in the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr, Clifford Zirra commended the Committee for the bill.
Zirra said that these proposed amendments were imperative in improving the mandate of the population commission.
“This amendments could not have come at a better time than now as the Commission seeks to mainstream technology and digital devices in the provision of her services.
“Provide interoperable digital platforms that enable collaborations with sister government agencies and partners and bridge gaps observed in the implementation of these legislations in the last three (3) decades,” he said.
The NPC commissioner said that the Commission is glad to have been working with the Private Consultant (with the support of UNICEF) through all the process of reviewing the Bill, up to this current stage of public hearing.
He said that the bill will eliminate duplication, ensure clarity, and facilitate effective implementation of the mandate of the Commission.
Zirra however expressed confidence that a holistic amendment and consolidation of the National Population Act and the Births, Deaths, Etc (Compulsory Registration) Act will provide a comprehensive framework for civil registration and vital statistics.
Also speaking, Mr. Clifford Zirra, the Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa in the NPC, commended the initiative, noting that the amendment comes at a crucial time as the Commission works to mainstream digital technology in its operations.
“These reforms will ensure interoperability between government platforms and close the gaps that have hindered effective implementation over the past three decades,” Zirra said.
He confirmed that the NPC, with support from UNICEF and private consultants, has been actively involved in reviewing the bill to ensure a comprehensive, technology-friendly framework that strengthens the Commission’s mandate.
The Committee’s Legal Consultant, Ms. Celestial Nwabueze, added that the bill aligns with international best practices and provides a legal foundation for effective civil registration in Nigeria.
If passed, the bill will replace outdated laws, establish a national digital registry, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data-driven development and security planning.
