The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said accurate data is key to national development and Security.
He has therefore called for a modern, technology-driven system for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events, as foundation of effective national planning and governance.
Declaring open a public hearing on the Bill to Repeal and Re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, Abbas—represented by Godwin Offiono (Cross River), said the proposed legislation seeks to modernize Nigeria’s civil registration system by introducing an electronic framework for collecting and managing vital statistics.
“Accurate and timely registration of births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, and other vital events is essential for national planning, social development, and good governance,” Abbas said. “The current Act was made for a different era—one without digital tools or modern data systems.”
He noted that Nigeria’s realities have evolved, with rapid population growth, migration, and increasing demand for data-driven policymaking, necessitating a system aligned with international best practices and UN standards.
According to the Speaker, the electronic registration framework will help eliminate duplication and fraud, enhance identity management, and improve access to certificates across all regions.
He said that innovations like modern, electronic, and efficient Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) framework, aligns with international best practices and the United Nations recommendations.
Tajudeen explained that An electronic civil registration system will ensure accuracy and integrity of vital data, reduce duplication and fraud in identity systems, improve access to birth and death certificates across all regions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Population, John Odimayo said the existing legal framework for civil registration is obsolete and incapable of meeting the demands of a digitally driven society.
“Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics, the nation cannot effectively plan or deliver social services,” Odimayo stated. “This Bill will establish a unified, modern system that reflects today’s realities and future needs.”
He said that the current Act, is not just obsolete but designed for a time when population mobility, digital recordkeeping, and demographic planning were at a very different stage.
According to him, Weak data integration between federal and state systems, and an absence of digital infrastructure for secure and accessible recordkeeping.
The Chairman said that Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), the nation would lack the foundation for effective planning, social services delivery, and population management.
He said :”This Bill seeks to repeal the existing law and re-enact a modern, comprehensive, and technology-driven framework that reflects present realities and future needs.”
Also speaking, the federal Commissioner representing Adamawa in the National Population Commission (NPC), Clifford Zirra commended the Committee for the bill.
Zirra said that the proposed amendments were imperative in improving the mandate of the population commission.
“This amendments could not have come at a better time than now as the Commission seeks to mainstream technology and digital devices in the provision of her services.
“Provide interoperable digital platforms that enable collaborations with sister government agencies and partners and bridge gaps observed in the implementation of these legislations in the last three (3) decades,” he said.
The NPC commissioner said that the bill will eliminate duplication, ensure clarity, and facilitate effective implementation of the mandate of the Commission.
He confirmed that the NPC, with support from UNICEF and private consultants, has been actively involved in reviewing the bill to ensure a comprehensive, technology-friendly framework that strengthens the Commission’s mandate.
The Committee’s Legal Consultant, Celestial Nwabueze, added that the bill aligns with international best practices and provides a legal foundation for effective civil registration in Nigeria.
If passed, the bill will replace outdated laws, establish a national digital registry, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data-driven development and security planning.
