National Telescope national telescope newspaper
UNICEF, in collaboration with the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), has ramped up efforts to promote birth registration across Nigeria.
Mona Aika, the Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, stated the critical role of the NCWS in driving this initiative. She explained that, along with the National Population Commission (NPC), UNICEF is focusing on registering children under five, particularly those who currently lack birth certificates, thus, registration campaigns are being conducted in various local government areas to ensure every child is accounted for.
Aika stressed that birth registration is a fundamental right, providing each child with legal identity, which is crucial for accessing essential services like education and healthcare.
She further underscored the importance of fast-tracking these efforts to align with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Every child deserves an identity,” she stated, urging stakeholders to intensify their efforts.
Geraldine Ita Etuk, Acting National President of the NCWS, reaffirmed the council’s dedication to this cause. In her address, she praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her ‘Renewed Hope Initiative Project’, which has enhanced advocacy and social mobilisation for birth registration. Etuk emphasised that awareness campaigns must be increased, access to registration centres improved, and institutional capacities strengthened to meet the growing demands.
In a regional perspective, Barrister Zena, President of the NCWS Kaduna State chapter, highlighted challenges specific to Kaduna State. She noted the importance of involving community leaders in advocating for birth registration, as their influence can ensure that more children are registered and can access government services.
UNICEF also reiterated the importance of birth registration for accurate data collection, which is vital for government planning and the delivery of future social services. Without proper registration, many children remain invisible in government statistics, hindering efforts toward national development.
