UNICEF and the Lagos State Government emphasize the urgency of electronic birth (e-birth) registration for children in Nigeria to secure their legal identity rights.
At a recent media dialogue on e-birth registration in Sangotedo, Lagos state, stakeholders highlighted its role in enhancing national planning and development.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Field Office for South West Nigeria, underscored that e-birth registration enables effective government planning and policy implementation, crucial for the nation’s youth.
She emphasized, “E-registration is vital for generating accurate statistics needed for planning, ensuring no child is left behind.”
The event, themed “Giving every child a legal identity: A media dialogue to drive e-birth registration in South West Nigeria,” was jointly organized with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the National Population Commission (NPC).
Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, highlighted e-birth registration as pivotal for laying a strong foundation for children’s future.
She stated, “This initiative aligns with global best practices and accelerates our progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Denis Onoise, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, stressed the importance of partnering with primary health centers to achieve comprehensive e-registration coverage.
Meanwhile, Bamidele Sadiku from NPC Lagos Office emphasized the platform’s role in improving Nigerian lives and preventing duplications through integration with the National Identification Number (NIN).
The ongoing efforts to link birth registration with NIN through collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) aim to enhance data accuracy and streamline administrative processes nationwide.
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