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Reps Advocate Digital Birth, Death Registration to Strengthen National Planning

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…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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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Makinde Hails Adeleke’s Re-election, Berates Attempt to Use Federal Might 

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Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has hailed his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, on his re-election, describing the victory as a triumph for democracy and the people of Osun State.

Makinde, who is also Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said Adeleke’s victory was a reward for his commitment to serving the people and delivering good governance.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor commended Osun voters for demonstrating courage and determination in exercising their franchise despite what he described as violence and the use of federal power.

He urged Adeleke to see his re-election as an opportunity and encouragement to consolidate his achievements and deliver more development to the people of Osun State.

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Makinde said the outcome of the election had once again demonstrated that power ultimately belongs to the people in a democracy.

“The results of the election proved again that the people reserve the absolute power in a democracy and that their movement will always triumph over all other considerations,” he said.

The governor also commended the people of Osun State for voting for their preferred candidate, saying their action demonstrated that the will of the electorate could prevail over political manoeuvring.

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Osun election: Read What Adeleke Said After Defeating Oyebamiji

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Osun State Governor and candidate of the Accord Party, Ademola Adeleke, has thanked God and the people of the state following his victory in the governorship election, saying he expects the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to call and congratulate him.

Adeleke, speaking after the declaration of the election result, described his victory as a triumph for democracy and a reward from the people of Osun State for his administration’s achievements.

He thanked God for what he described as a successful election, saying the outcome reflected the people’s appreciation of his administration’s efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, security and other areas.

“I thank God Almighty for this victory. It’s a victory for democracy. Victory for Osun election,” Adeleke said.

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According to him, the result was also a way for the people of Osun to repay his administration for its efforts in improving infrastructure, healthcare and security across the state.

He said: “The victory is a way Osun people is repaying me for the infrastructural developments, health, security and other things I have delivered for my people.”

Adeleke, who adopted a conciliatory tone after the election, said there was no victor and no vanquished, while expressing optimism that his main challenger would accept the outcome.

It’s no victor, no vanquish. I am expecting for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to call me and congratulate me,” he said.

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The governor also attributed his victory to his faith in God, saying, “I have a God who never fails.”

Adeleke further thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a successful election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner of the election after he polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji of the APC, who scored 444,815 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11, giving the incumbent a 66,252-vote margin.

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NDLEA nabs India-bound bizman with cocaine, recovers N3.6b Colos, codeine in Lagos(Photos)

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. 70-year-old grandpa nabbed, large consignments of opioids, others seized in Kano, Kwara, Edo, Plateau, Oyo, Delta sweeps

A 48-year-old businessman Nwankwo Innocent Onyebuchi who liquidated all his assets to chase a dream of quick riches in the illicit drug trade has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos, while heading to New Delhi, India, with 1.550 kilograms of cocaine cleverly concealed within the side walls and railings of his bag.


Nwankwo who deals in marbles in Lagos was arrested at the departure hall of terminal II of the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to New Delhi, India.

A search of his check-in bag uncovered 1.550 kilograms of cocaine factory-fitted in the walls and railings of his bag.

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In a candid confession that lays bare the desperation that fuels the drug trade, Nwankwo said he had sold off his marble business and every asset he owned to raise the ₦23 million he paid for the consignment, with the expectation of selling it in India for as much as N100 million.

With his assets gone, and Nwankwo’s dream of transiting from a marble trader to a drug kingpin effectively shattered following his arrest, the suspect remains in custody awaiting prosecution and likely time in jail.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a warehouse within a residential compound at 20 Hakeem Dosumu street Ago Palace area of Okota, Lagos, where a massive stockpile of codeine-based syrup was discovered.

A total of 3,776 cartons, comprising 377,600 bottles of the controlled substance, valued at over N2.6 billion, were recovered between Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August 2026.
In yet another intelligence-led operation, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 14th August raided the residence of a 55-year-old kingpin Shoremi Kayode, at 37 Ogundare street, Ipaja estate, Ipaja area of Lagos, recovering 324 kilograms of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, with a street value of Nine Hundred and Seventy-Two Million Naira (N972,000,000).

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Also recovered from the suspect were a Mercedes-Benz car and a Toyota Corolla car.
In Kwara, two suspects: Abubakar Adamu, 50, and Bilyaminu Nuhu, 30, were on Thursday 13th August arrested at Kam Wire area of Ilorin with 55.96kg skunk in a truck marked DKA 350 XL recovered, while two other suspects: 70-year-old grandpa Abdulfatai Oyelaran and Abdulrauf Ajadi, 50, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on patrol along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ibadan, Oyo state on Wednesday 12th August. Recovered from their Toyota Sienna vehicle marked FFA-115KA, include: 52,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 6,000 ampoules of tramadol injection.


A total of 124,100 pills of tramadol; 786 bottles of codeine syrup; 2,598 tablets of rohypnol;
4,800 tablets of diazepam; 470 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 200 ampoules of tramadol injection were recovered from two suspects: Osaro Ikpoba, 43, and Samuel Godbless, 18, along Onitsha/Asaba expressway on Thursday 13th August, while another suspect, Emeka Tony, 50, was nabbed with 1,244 pieces of cartridges and monetary exhibit of eight million naira (N8,000,000) only along Kwale/Ozoro expressway on Wednesday 12th August.
A Toyota Corolla car with registration number MKD 341 EA was intercepted by NDLEA operatives along Riyom/Jos road, Jos Plateau state where 239,490 caps of tramaforce, a brand of tramadol were recovered and a suspect Kasum Sherif arrested.
In Kano, six suspects were arrested on Monday 10th August by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Zaria-Kano road.

They include: Okodili Ibeabuchi, 60; Onyeka Vincent, 47; Nwanko Wisdom, 36; Success Chigozie, 30; Emmanuel Jude, 27; and Chinedu Peter, 39. Large consignments of opioids were recovered from them include 728,958 pills of tramadol, rohypnol, and others as well as 360 grams of cocaine, 99.8 grams of methamphetamine, 50 bottles of codeine syrup and and 2.7 kilograms of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis.


Also in Kano, NDLEA operatives on Friday 14th August raided the Zawaciki Gida Dubu, Kumbotso LGA, where they recovered 171 blocks of skunk weighing 106.8kg and arrested two suspects: Mustapha Iliya, 30, and Abdulwahab Abdulrashid, 24 in connection with the seizure.
A total of 4,628.9775kg skunk was destroyed on two cannabis farms that measured 1.851591 hectares at Ugboku/Igbanke forest, Orhionmwon LGA, Edo state where a suspect Agholor Elebojie, 40, was arrested in one of the farms during a raid by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 12th August. Another suspect, Kingsley Anigala, 28, was nabbed with 25.857kg Loud and 93 grams of meth during a raid of drug joints at Oluku area of Benin city on Friday 14th August.


The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands equally continued across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitization lecture delivered to students and staff of Madarasatu Sheikh Muhammad Rabi’u Arabic School, Kano and Olomu Junior Secondary School, Ajah, Lagos state, among others.

While commending the officers, men and women of MMIA, Lagos, Kano, Kwara, Edo, Plateau, Oyo and Delta Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

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