House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Wednesday called for creating a modern, technology-driven system for registration of births, deaths, marriages and other vital events, describing accurate data as the basis of effective national planning and governance of the country.
President Tajudeen made the call while declaring open a public hearing on the bill to repeal and re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. Act. (Mandatory Registration).
Tajudeen, represented by Rep. 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 recording of births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages and other life events is essential for national planning, social development and good governance,” Tajudeen said.
“The current law was created for a different era, without modern digital tools and data systems.”
He noted that Nigeria’s realities have evolved, with rapid population growth, migration and increasing demand for data-driven policymaking, requiring a system aligned with international best practices and UN standards.
“The electronic registration framework will help eliminate duplication and fraud, improve identity management and improve access to certificates in all regions,” he said.
He added that innovations such as the modern, electronic and efficient Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) framework align with international best practices and United Nations recommendations.
Tajudeen explained that an electronic civil registration system will ensure the accuracy and integrity of vital data, reduce duplication and fraud in identity systems and improve access to birth and death certificates in all regions.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Rep. Odimayo Okunjimi, said the existing legal framework for civil registration is outdated and unable to meet the demands of a digitally driven society.
“Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics, the nation cannot effectively plan and deliver social services,” Okunjimi said.
“This bill will establish a unified, modern system that reflects current realities and future needs.”
Okunjimi said the current law is not only outdated but designed for a time when population mobility, digital record keeping and population planning were at a very different stage.
According to him, weak data integration between federal and state systems and the absence of digital infrastructure for secure and accessible record keeping.
He noted that without reliable civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), the nation would lack the basis for effective planning, social service delivery and demographic management.
“This bill seeks to repeal existing law and recreate a modern, comprehensive and technology-driven framework that reflects present realities and future needs,” he said.
Okunjimi explained that the bill is designed to establish a unified national system for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions and other vital events.
“Clarify institutional responsibilities, ensuring effective coordination between the National Population Commission, state registries, local government councils and relevant ministries,” he said.
He said reform of Nigeria’s vital registration system is not just a bureaucratic exercise, but a national imperative.
Okunjimi reiterated that the modernization of this Act would strengthen identity management, improve governance, enhance national security and build a data-driven foundation for sustainable development.
He added that the bill will also clarify institutional functions, ensuring greater coordination between the National Population Commission (CNP), state registries and local government councils.
The Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa on the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr Clifford Zirra, commended the Committee for the Bill.
Zirra said these proposed amendments were imperative to improve the mandate of the population commission.
“These amendments could not have come at a better time than now, as the Commission seeks to incorporate digital technology and devices into the provision of its services.
“Provide interoperable digital platforms that enable collaborations with sister government agencies and partners and close the gaps observed in the implementation of these legislations in the last three (3) decades,” he said.
The NPC Commissioner said that the Commission is pleased to have been working with the Private Consultant (with the support of UNICEF) throughout the Bill’s review process, up to this current public hearing stage.
He said the Bill will eliminate duplication, ensure clarity and facilitate effective implementation of the Commission’s mandate.
Zirra, however, expressed confidence that a comprehensive amendment and consolidation of the National Population Law and the Births and Deaths (Compulsory Registration) Law will provide a comprehensive framework for civil registration and vital statistics.
Also speaking, Clifford Zirra, the federal commissioner representing Adamawa on the NPC, praised the initiative, noting that the amendment comes at a crucial time as the Commission works to incorporate digital technology into its operations.
“These reforms will ensure interoperability between government platforms and close gaps that have hindered effective implementation over the past three decades,” Zirra said.
He confirmed that the APN, with the support of UNICEF and private consultants, has actively participated in the review of the bill to ensure a comprehensive and technology-friendly framework that strengthens the mandate of the Commission.
The Committee’s Legal Consultant, Ms. Celestial Nwabueze, added that the Bill aligns with international best practices and provides a legal basis 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 security and development planning.
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