The House of Representatives has urged the adoption of a technology-driven system for registering births, deaths, marriages, and other vital life events — a move aimed at boosting national planning, social development, and security.
Declaring open a public hearing on the Bill to Repeal and Re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Rep. Godwin Offiono (Cross River), said the initiative will modernise Nigeria’s civil registration system through the use of digital tools for collecting and managing vital statistics.
“Accurate and timely registration of births, stillbirths, deaths, and marriages is essential for national planning and good governance,” Abbas stated. “The current law was made for an era without digital systems. This new framework will align Nigeria with global best practices.”
He explained that the new electronic system would eliminate duplication and fraud, simplify access to official certificates, and enhance identity management nationwide. With Nigeria’s population surpassing 200 million, he said the need for a digital, data-driven registration system has become urgent.
Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Rep. Odimayo Okunjimi, echoed similar sentiments, describing the existing legal framework as obsolete and unfit for a modern society. “Without a reliable civil registration system, Nigeria cannot effectively plan or deliver social services,” he said. “This bill will unify our registration process and reflect present realities.”
Okunjimi explained that the proposed law would define institutional roles and improve coordination between the National Population Commission (NPC), state registries, local governments, and other agencies. He emphasised that the reform goes beyond bureaucracy — it is a national necessity for better governance, security, and sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the NPC, Mr. Clifford Zirra, Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa State, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and transformative. He revealed that the Commission, in collaboration with private consultants and supported by UNICEF, has been deeply involved in shaping the digital framework. “These reforms will enable interoperability between government databases and address gaps that have persisted for decades,” Zirra said.
Also contributing, Ms. Celestial Nwabueze, the Committee’s Legal Consultant, noted that the bill aligns with UN recommendations and global best practices, adding that it would repeal outdated laws, establish a national digital registry, and strengthen Nigeria’s data governance system.
If passed, the law will mark a major leap toward building a secure, transparent, and technology-based civil registration system — positioning Nigeria for data-driven governance and inclusive development in the digital age.
