A major initiative to enhance birth registration across Katsina State has been launched through a collaboration between the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Population Commission (NPC), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The program, which began in August and runs until October, focuses on registering children aged 0-5 without a National Identification Number (NIN) free of charge. Special attention is being given to border communities to differentiate between Nigerian children and non-citizens.

A press conference on the initiative was held on Thursday, October 3, at the Federal Secretariat along Kano Dandagoro Road in Katsina, attended by key stakeholders. Participants included representatives of people with Disabilities, such as Muhammad Nasir Jibril, and officials from various sectors, including NPC, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and media outlets. The significance of this initiative was highlighted, emphasizing the legal right of every child to birth registration.

In his opening address, the Katsina State Director of NOA, Muntari Lawal Tsagem, urged the public to recognize the importance of birth registration, stating that it is not only a legal right but also a gateway to essential services such as education and healthcare. "Birth registration is not just a right but a way to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to the services they deserve as citizens," said Tsagem.

Further elaborating on the initiative, the Deputy Director of Programs at NOA explained that birth registration plays a crucial role in national development, particularly in education, healthcare, and public services. He called on parents and caregivers to participate actively in the program, assuring them that the registration process is easy and free, requiring only an immunization card or a birth certificate.

A key component of this initiative is the immediate issuance of NINs to children during registration, eliminating the need to visit NIMC offices. The parents' NINs will be linked with their children's, simplifying the registration process for families.

Ado Mamman from NPC expressed gratitude to all stakeholders supporting the initiative. He underscored the importance of the birth certificate as the first document confirming a person's existence. "A birth certificate is not just a piece of paper; it is the first proof of identity. It opens the door to obtaining a NIN, hospital registration, and other critical documents," Mamman said. He also highlighted the new digital birth certificate system developed by NPC, which includes security features to prevent fraud and unauthorized duplication.

Usman Suleman from NIMC emphasized that birth certificates are mandatory for obtaining a NIN. He explained that NIMC, in collaboration with NPC, has made it a requirement to present a birth certificate during NIN registration, stressing its importance in the identification process. He also detailed the procedures for correcting birth registration details, which require verification from NPC to ensure any changes are legitimate.

Husaini Sale, representing UNICEF, discussed the need for consistency in children's documents during registration. "Inconsistencies between a child's birth registration and other documents can delay access to essential services. For example, some children miss out on scholarships due to discrepancies in their registration details," Sale warned, highlighting the potential issues.

This birth registration campaign, backed by several organizations, is expected to bring significant improvements across Katsina State, particularly in areas where birth registration has been historically low. The collaboration between NOA, NPC, UNICEF, and NIMC will ensure that every child in the state receives the necessary documents to access the services and opportunities they are entitled to.

Parents, caregivers, and community leaders are urged to participate in this vital effort, which not only secures the future of their children but also contributes to the overall development of the nation.