NPC Chairman Urges Dedicated Budget Lines for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in Nigeria

By Iyojo Ameh

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has called for the creation of dedicated budget lines for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) at both the federal and state levels to accelerate registration processes and establish a comprehensive, inclusive CRVS system across Nigeria.

Kwarra made the call during the inaugural meeting of the National CRVS Coordination Committee held at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The committee, inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in November 2023, was established to drive the institutionalization and modernization of CRVS in Nigeria in line with global best practices.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Kwarra thanked President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commended development partners such as UNICEF Nigeria for their continued support. “This committee is not merely about administrative tasks; it is foundational to legal identity, social protection, effective governance, and national development,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of accurate and timely documentation of births, deaths, and other vital events as a key component in creating a secure, digital, and accessible CRVS system. The Chairman identified harmonization of legal frameworks, digital innovation, stakeholder coordination, and sustainable financing as critical focus areas for the committee.

The multi-sectoral committee includes representatives from federal ministries, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), private sector partners, and development agencies. This diverse representation reflects the collaborative approach required to build a resilient and inclusive CRVS ecosystem.

Highlighting ongoing challenges such as underfunding and incomplete coverage, Kwarra noted that “today’s meeting is not only symbolic; it is strategic.” He urged members to assess current progress, identify gaps, and align with the United Nations Legal Identity Agenda and the One UN approach.

He also emphasized the need for public engagement, equity, and inclusion—especially for marginalized and rural communities. Plans to involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local government authorities were announced, along with outreach initiatives such as quarterly birth and death registration weeks and town hall meetings.

“A functional CRVS system is essential for national planning, health system strengthening, and sustainable development,” Kwarra said, urging all stakeholders to remain committed to the committee’s shared vision.

Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, called for the harmonization of mandates among agencies involved in birth and death registration—including NPC, NIMC, and local government authorities. “We must find a way to link the data from various agencies,” he said, stressing the need for coordinated frameworks and reliable data.

Umeh also underscored the importance of the upcoming biometric Population and Housing Census in supporting CRVS coverage and pledged the National Assembly’s backing for the swift passage of the Birth, Death, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Bill.

Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, Chairman of the House Committee on National Population and Identity, echoed similar sentiments, noting that data from the census would enhance the work of the CRVS committee. He reaffirmed the legislature’s support for digitizing and integrating national CRVS systems.

Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, assured stakeholders of the NBS’s technical support, emphasizing that timely and reliable CRVS data are vital for policymaking across health, justice, local governance, and innovation sectors.

Also speaking, Engr. Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General/CEO of NIMC, said the integration of CRVS with national identity systems is pivotal to development. “It ensures the identity and dignity of every Nigerian,” she stated, affirming NIMC’s full collaboration with the committee.

Other key contributors at the meeting included NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; ALGON National President, Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya; and UNICEF Nigeria Chief of Child Protection, Dr. Ibrahim Sessay. All emphasized the need for coordination, sustainable funding, and accurate data collection to build a credible CRVS framework.

UNICEF Deputy Representative, Ms. Rownak Khan, UNFPA Assistant Representative Mr. Dashe Dasogot, NOA Director-General Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and Managing Director of Barnksforte Technologies, Mr. Adebayo Bankole, also attended, along with NPC Commissioners and various MDAs.

NPC Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, presented the terms of reference and work plan for the committee, outlining strategic steps for implementation.

As the committee sets out to deliver on its mandate, the NPC reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every Nigerian is counted and recognized—starting from birth.