The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has called for dedicated budget lines for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) at both federal and state levels. This initiative aims to accelerate registration processes and establish a comprehensive, inclusive CRVS system across Nigeria.
Hon. Kwarra made these remarks during the inaugural meeting of the National Coordination Committee on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), held today, 31st July 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
In his address, Hon. Kwarra expressed gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his leadership in establishing the committee. He also acknowledged the support from UNICEF Nigeria and other development partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing the CRVS agenda.
“This committee is not merely about administrative tasks; it is foundational to legal identity, social protection, effective governance, and national development,” stated Hon. Kwarra. He highlighted the necessity of accurate and timely recording of every birth, death, and vital event, which is crucial for the mission to create a digital, secure, and accessible CRVS system.
The committee consists of representatives from a variety of sectors, including federal ministries, the National Identity Management Commission NIMC, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and private sector partners. This diverse representation underscores the multi-sectoral collaboration needed to build a resilient CRVS ecosystem.
Hon. Kwarra outlined the committee's objectives, which include fostering coordination among stakeholders, harmonizing legal frameworks, promoting digital innovation, and ensuring sustainable investment.
Despite existing challenges such as incomplete coverage and underfunding, Hon. Kwarra expressed confidence in the committee's potential to turn these obstacles into opportunities.
“Today’s meeting is not only symbolic; it is strategic. It allows us to assess progress, identify gaps, and refine our roadmap toward a fully operational, interoperable, and inclusive digital CRVS system that aligns with the UN Legal Identity Agenda and the One UN approach,” he said.
The NPC Chairman emphasized the importance of establishing robust communication channels, advocating for dedicated CRVS budgets, launching public awareness campaigns, and ensuring data security and interoperability in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
Hon. Kwarra noted that the Committee is committed to equity and inclusion, which means prioritizing marginalized populations and rural communities, with plans to involve traditional leaders, religious leaders, and local government officials. Initiatives such as quarterly Birth and Death Registration Weeks, town hall meetings, and culturally sensitive outreach were highlighted as essential for achieving full registration coverage.
“A functional CRVS system is essential for national planning, health system strengthening, and sustainable development,” Hon. Kwarra noted. He urged attendees to maintain focus and collaboration in working toward the committee's shared vision.
Sen. Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, stressed the need for coordination among agencies responsible for CRVS, noting overlapping mandates that could hinder progress. He pointed out that NPC, NIMC, and local government authorities all play roles in registering births and deaths, and called for harmonization of legal and policy frameworks to enhance CRVS coverage. “We must find a way to link the data from various agencies,” he emphasized.
Sen. Umeh also highlighted the importance of reliable data on births, deaths, and migration, advocating for the upcoming biometric Population and Housing Census to provide accurate coverage for birth and death registrations. He pledged the National Assembly's support for the swift passage of the Birth, Death, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Bill.
Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Population and Identity, echoed these sentiments, noting that the next census will facilitate the work of the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Coordination Committee by providing essential data for effective CRVS in Nigeria. He affirmed that the Bill will support the digital transformation of CRVS and enhance data integration among agencies.
Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, pledged the support and technical expertise of the National Bureau of Statistics to ensure that data generated through CRVS is timely, reliable, and used to improve lives. He noted that CRVS impacts various sectors, including health, justice, statistics, local governance, digital innovation, and more, making this committee vital for inter-agency collaboration, policy harmonization, and innovative problem-solving.
Engr. Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General/CEO of NIMC, highlighted CRVS's crucial role in ensuring the identity and dignity of every Nigerian. She noted that the integration of CRVS with national identity systems will have a transformative impact on our nation's development. She affirmed NIMC's commitment to collaborating with the committee and other stakeholders to strengthen CRVS systems in Nigeria.
The meeting also featured contributions from additional speakers, including the Director-General of NITDA Nigeria, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya; and UNICEF Nigeria Chief Child Protection, Dr. Ibrahim Sessay, all of whom recognized the importance of credible census data and the need for enhanced collaboration and coordination among agencies to ensure the effective CRVS system in Nigeria.
The meeting was also attended by the NPC Federal Commissioners; Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Nigeria., Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu; Deputy Representative UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Rownak Khan; Assistant Representative UNFPA Nigeria, Mr. Dashe Dasogot; Managing Director/CEO Barnksforte Technologies Limited, Mr. Adebayo Bankole; representatives from MDAs and other stakeholders.
NPC Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, presented the terms of reference and work plan for the National CRVS Coordination Committee during the meeting.
The NPC remains committed to leveraging technology, stakeholders collaboration, and public engagement to ensure that every Nigerian understands and participates in the registration process, ultimately contributing to a more just and inclusive society. It will be recalled that the National CRVS Coordination Committee was inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 8th November 2023.
