Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, has reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to promoting a modern, technology-driven system for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events nationwide.
He gave the assurance while declaring open a public hearing organised by the House Committee on National Population at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Represented by a member from Cross River State, Mr. Godwin Offiono, the Speaker explained that the proposed legislation aims to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration system through an electronic framework for collecting and managing vital statistics.
Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, maintained that as Nigeria’s realities evolved with rapid population growth, migration and increasing demand for data-driven policymaking, the situation required a system that aligned with international best practices and UN standards for effective national planning and governance.
The Speaker however, confirmed that adopting the electronic registration framework will further eliminate duplication and fraud, enhance identity management, and improve access to certificates across all regions.
Earlier, the Chairman House Committee on Population, Odimayo Okunjimi, described the existing legal framework for civil registration is obsolete stressing that the proposed Bill will provide a unified, modern system that reflects the current realities and future needs of the citizenry.
The committee Chairman noted that Without reliable civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), the nation would lack the foundation for effective planning, social services delivery, and population management.
“Clarify institutional responsibilities, ensuring effective coordination between the National Population Commission, state registries, local government councils, and relevant ministries,” he said.
Also speaking, federal Commissioner representing Adamawa in the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr, Clifford Zirra, said the amendments could not have come at a better time than now as the Commission seeks to mainstream technology and digital devices in the provision of its services.
He confirmed that the NPC, with support from UNICEF and private consultants, has been actively involved in reviewing the bill to ensure a comprehensive, technology-friendly framework that strengthens the Commission’s mandate.
COV/TSIBIRI
