October 30, (THEWILL) — The House of Representatives on Wednesday initiated moves to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration system, pushing for a full digital overhaul of the nation’s birth, death, and marriage registry.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, said Nigeria must adopt technology-driven record management to ensure accurate data collection and efficient service delivery for national development.
Abbas made the call during a public hearing on a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act.
Represented by Godwin Offiono (APC, Cross River), the Speaker said maintaining reliable population records is essential for effective planning, security, and social development.
He explained that the proposed law aims to establish an electronic civil registration framework capable of capturing and managing vital statistics in real time across the country.
He noted that the existing law was enacted in an era without digital tools, making it unsuitable for modern governance needs.
“Accurate and timely registration of births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, and other vital events is essential for national planning, social development, and good governance,” Abbas stated.
He added that with Nigeria’s growing population, internal migration, and increasing demand for data-driven policymaking, a digital registration system aligned with international best practices and UN standards has become imperative.
According to him, the digital transition will curb identity fraud, strengthen national identity management, and enhance access to vital records nationwide.
Abbas further said that the new Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system would improve accuracy, prevent duplication, and ensure easier public access to certificates and documents.
Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi, described the current legal framework as outdated and incapable of meeting the needs of a fast-changing society.
He explained that the existing system suffers from weak digital infrastructure, poor coordination between federal and state authorities, and limited access to secure recordkeeping.
“Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics, the nation cannot effectively plan or deliver social services,” Okunjimi said.
He added that the proposed bill seeks to establish a unified national system for registering births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, and other life events, while clearly defining institutional roles and responsibilities.
“The reform is not just an administrative exercise but a national necessity for efficient planning, population management, and service delivery,” he added.
Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa State at the National Population Commission (NPC), Clifford Zirra, described the reform as timely.
He noted that the NPC is already working to integrate digital platforms and enhance collaboration with relevant agencies to strengthen population data management.
“These amendments could not have come at a better time, as the Commission seeks to mainstream technology and digital devices in its services,” Zirra said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
