The Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Muhammad Usman Dattijo, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation of the Commission to the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, to participate in a public hearing on a critical amendment to Nigeria’s civil registration law.

The public hearing centered 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 the country’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system through the introduction of an electronic framework known as the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS).

Organized by the House of Representatives Committee on National Population and Identity, the hearing attracted key stakeholders, including representatives of 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 on behalf of the NPC, Dr. Clifford Zirra, Federal Commissioner representing Adamawa State, described the Bill as both timely and essential for national development. He noted that the proposed law would empower the Commission to harness technology and digital tools to enhance data collection, ensure interoperability among government databases, and address long-standing implementation challenges.

“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 stated.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Hon. Godwin Offiono said the eCRVS initiative aligns with international best practices and the standards of the United Nations. He emphasized that transitioning to a digital system would enhance data accuracy, eliminate duplication, prevent identity-related fraud, and expand access to vital records nationwide.

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

Chairman of the House Committee on National Population and Identity, Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, underscored the need to overhaul the outdated legal framework currently regulating the registration of vital events in Nigeria. He said the new Bill aims to establish a comprehensive, technology-driven system that clearly delineates institutional roles across federal, state, and local levels.

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

Other stakeholders at the hearing also made their contributions to the Bill.

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