The House of Representatives has urged the adoption of a technology-driven system for registering births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events to enhance national planning, social development, and security.
Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, made the call while opening a public hearing on the Bill to Repeal and Re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act. Represented by Rep. Godwin Offiono (Cross River), Abbas said the proposed law aims to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration system through the introduction of 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 and good governance,” the Speaker said. “The current Act was enacted for a different era—one without digital tools or modern data systems.”
He stressed that with Nigeria’s growing population and rising demand for data-driven policymaking, a digital civil registration system aligned with international standards and UN recommendations has become imperative. According to Abbas, the proposed electronic system will eliminate duplication and fraud, enhance identity management, and ensure easier access to certificates nationwide.
Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Rep. Odimayo Okunjimi, described the current legal framework as outdated and inadequate for a digitally driven society.
“Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics, the nation cannot effectively plan or deliver social services,” Okunjimi said. “This bill will establish a unified, modern system that reflects today’s realities and anticipates future needs.”
Okunjimi explained that the legislation seeks to create a unified national system for registering births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, and other vital events. It will also clarify institutional responsibilities and improve coordination between the National Population Commission (NPC), state registries, local government councils, and relevant ministries.
He emphasised that reforming Nigeria’s vital registration system is a national imperative, not merely a bureaucratic exercise. “This modernisation will strengthen identity management, enhance governance, improve national security, and lay a solid foundation for sustainable, data-driven development,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the NPC, Mr. Clifford Zirra, Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa State, praised the Committee for initiating the reform, noting that the amendments were timely as the Commission integrates digital technology into its operations.
“These reforms will enable interoperability between government platforms and bridge gaps that have hindered effective implementation over the past three decades,” Zirra said. He added that the NPC, with support from private consultants and UNICEF, had actively reviewed the bill to ensure a comprehensive and technology-compliant framework.
The Committee’s Legal Consultant, Ms. Celestial Nwabueze, said the proposed legislation aligns with global best practices and provides a strong legal foundation for civil registration and vital statistics in Nigeria.
If passed, the bill will repeal outdated laws, establish a national digital registry, and significantly strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for data-driven development, governance, and national security planning.
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