House of Representatives call for digital civil registration reform to modernise Nigeria’s record system and improve national planning

House of Representatives digital civil registration reform has become a top priority for lawmakers as they push for the modernisation of Nigeria’s outdated record system for births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events.

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Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open a public hearing on a Bill to Repeal and Re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act.

He said the proposed legislation aims to create a secure, technology-driven framework for collecting and managing vital statistics, describing accurate data as indispensable to effective governance.

“Accurate and timely registration of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events is the foundation of sound governance,” Abbas stated. “The existing Act was crafted for an era without digital tools.

Today’s realities—rapid population growth, mobility, and data-driven policymaking—require a system that meets global standards.”

According to him, a fully digital registration platform would curb duplication and fraud, enhance access to vital records, and strengthen identity management across government institutions.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Odimayo Okunjimi, echoed similar concerns, describing the current law as obsolete and incapable of supporting modern governance.

He said the new bill seeks to establish a unified digital framework for registering births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and adoptions.

“This reform is not a bureaucratic exercise but a national imperative,” Okunjimi said. “It will improve national security, strengthen identity systems, and provide the data backbone for sustainable development.”

Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa State in the National Population Commission (NPC), Clifford Zirra, commended the initiative, noting that the amendment aligns with the commission’s ongoing digital integration efforts.

“This reform comes at a critical time as the NPC integrates digital technology into its operations,” Zirra explained. “It will ensure interoperability between government platforms and close implementation gaps that have persisted for decades.”

Legal consultant to the committee, Celestial Nwabueze, added that the bill provides a clear legal basis for a comprehensive national digital registry. Once enacted, it will replace outdated laws and strengthen data-driven policymaking and security planning.

Despite past efforts, Nigeria’s civil registration system remains weak. Millions of births and deaths go unrecorded annually, leaving large gaps in national statistics and hindering effective governance.

According to UNICEF and the NPC, only about 57 per cent of births and less than 20 per cent of deaths are currently registered nationwide.

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Lawmakers believe that a digital overhaul will help close these gaps, improve service delivery, and build a reliable foundation for planning and development in the country.