NPC Launches Digital Birth, Death Registration in Niger State

By Benson Daniel

The National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the digital registration of births and deaths in Niger State as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration system and improve the accuracy of vital statistics.

The initiative is designed to replace manual record-keeping with a technology-driven process that enables the real-time capture, storage and management of birth and death records. The commission said the programme would enhance the efficiency, accessibility and security of civil registration services across the state.

According to the NPC, the digital system will provide individuals and families with easier access to official birth and death certificates while strengthening the country’s demographic database for national planning and development.

The commission explained that accurate and timely registration of vital events is essential for effective policy formulation, healthcare planning, education, social protection programmes and the equitable allocation of public resources.

Officials noted that the digital platform is expected to reduce delays, minimise errors associated with manual documentation and curb cases of identity fraud through improved record verification.

The NPC also urged parents, guardians, healthcare providers and community leaders to support the exercise by ensuring that all births and deaths are promptly registered. It stressed that comprehensive civil registration is a shared responsibility that contributes to national development and better public service delivery.

Stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s identity management system and improving the availability of reliable population data for government and development partners.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the digital registration programme to more communities as part of broader efforts to achieve universal civil registration and provide every Nigerian with a legally recognised identity from birth.