NPC PUSHES FOR MODERN CIVIL REGISTRATION LAW AS LAWMAKERS HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON E-CRVS BILL

The Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Muhammad Usman Dattijo, today, 29th October 2025, led a delegation of the Commission to the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, for a public hearing on a crucial amendment to Nigeria’s civil registration law.

The hearing focused on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Birth, Death, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, Cap. B9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Re-enact the Birth, Death, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, 2024. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize Nigeria’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system through the adoption of an electronic civil registration framework, known as eCRVS.

Organized by the House of Representatives Committee on National Population and Identity, the session drew participation from key stakeholders including the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

Speaking for the NPC at the hearing, Dr. Clifford Zirra, Federal Commissioner for Adamawa State, described the Bill as timely and essential for national development. He emphasized that the proposed law will empower the Commission to leverage technology and digital tools to enhance data collection, ensure interoperability among government databases, and close long-standing implementation gaps.

“A single, modern legislation will harmonize the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and migrations, while improving data integrity and accessibility for national planning,” Dr. Zirra said.

Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Hon. Godwin Offiono noted that the eCRVS initiative aligns with international best practices and the United Nations’ standards. He highlighted the benefits of moving to a digital system, including greater data accuracy, reduced duplication, prevention of identity-related fraud, and improved access to vital records nationwide.

“An electronic CRVS framework will enhance coordination between key agencies such as NPC, NIMC, and INEC, ensuring a more efficient identity management system,” Hon. Offiono added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on National Population and Identity, Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, stressed the need to overhaul the outdated legal structure currently guiding the registration of vital events in Nigeria. He said the new Bill will establish a comprehensive and technology-driven system that clearly defines institutional roles across federal, state, and local levels.

“This reform is long overdue. A modern CRVS system will not only improve service delivery but will also support evidence-based decision-making for national development,” Hon. Odimayo stated.

Other stakeholders at the event also made their submissions on the Bill.

Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman was accompanied by several Federal Commissioners, the Director-General of the NPC, and other senior management officials, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation in population data management.