The federal government has begun issuance of National Identification Number (NIN) through the National Population Commission (NPC) in to children under age 5 during birth registration.
Test-run of the strategic action plan to accelerate birth registration exercise across all health facilities began on Thursday August 29th will be administered free of charge nationwide.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu disclosed while delivering her goodwill message at the Renewed hope initiative on birth Registration at scale in Nigeria, FCT.
She charged participants at the launch to take the message their various States – both rural and urban areas towards attaining goal 16 of sustainable development plan.
The First Lady said, “I also congratulate the National Population Commission (NPC) – The federal Ministry of Health and social welfare, the Brathfoth Technology Limited, the private sector partner for the bold initiative to ensure that a National Identification Number (NIN) is issued to every child at birth, starting in 2024. That is why the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) is launching the 29th August 29th 2024 commemorative birth registration with RHI logo. We will be back to business after December 31st 2024. We won’t tell you how we got that arrangement”.
She appealed to all parents in Nigeria to endeavour to register and seek authentic birth certificates recognized by the government.
She also thanked the The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) leadership for its commitment in supporting in enhancing birth registration and issuance of birth certificates to children.
The Director-General, NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote spoke on the importance of every child registration.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Christian Muduate, sued for implementation of laws and collaboration that will promote accurate data-driven birth registration in Nigeria.
She revealed that Nigeria had 11 million registered births in 2023 while the nation data on registered birth in 2024, is well above 9 million.
Muduate explained that 8 million newborn birth registration target is still a far cry because it’s less than 50 percent yearly target.
She charged the National and State House of Assembly to prioritize Children’s welfare through adequate funding and implementation as well as strategic advocacy.
Prominent traditional rulers and religious leaders as well as other top government functionaries, including the Nigerian Senator President, Senator Godswill Akpabio who was represented by Senator Abdul Ningi, delivered goodwill messages on the occasion.
Highpoint was the presentation of births registration status and the symbolic registration of five babies.
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