By Mercy Aikoye
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for a modern, technology-driven system for registering births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events. “Accurate and timely registration of births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, and other vital events is essential for national planning, social development, and good governance,” he said.
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The current law governing civil registration in Nigeria is outdated and incapable of meeting the demands of a digitally driven society. “The current Act was made for a different era—one without digital tools or modern data systems,” Abbas noted.
An electronic civil registration for births, deaths, and other vital events will eliminate duplication and fraud, enhance identity management, and improve access to certificates across all regions. “It will ensure accuracy and integrity of vital data, reduce duplication and fraud in identity systems,” the Speaker said.
The House Committee on Population has proposed a bill to repeal and re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act. The bill seeks to establish a unified national system for registering vital events and clarify institutional responsibilities.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi, emphasized the importance of reliable civil registration and vital statistics. “Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics, the nation cannot effectively plan or deliver social services,” he said.
The bill aligns with international best practices and UN recommendations. “This bill will establish a national digital registry, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data-driven development and security planning,” said Ms. Celestial Nwabueze, the Committee’s Legal Consultant.
The modernization of Nigeria’s civil registration system is a national imperative. The proposed bill will provide a comprehensive framework for civil registration and vital statistics, and will help to strengthen identity management, improve governance, and enhance national security.
