The National Population Commission (NPC) has called for the speedy passage of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) Bill, aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s civil registration system and improving the accuracy of population data.
The Acting Chairman of the NPC, Hon. Muhammad Usman Dattijo, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation of the Commission to the National Assembly Complex for a public hearing on the proposed legislation to repeal and reenact the Birth, Death, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, Cap. B9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Organized by the House of Representatives Committee on National Population and Identity, the session attracted participation from critical stakeholders including ALGON, NIMC, Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF Nigeria, CAN, NSCIA, and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
Representing the Commission at the hearing, Dr. Clifford Zirra, Federal Commissioner for Adamawa State, described the Bill as “timely and crucial for national development.” He explained that the new law would enable the NPC to harness technology for effective data collection, ensure interoperability among government databases, and eliminate 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 commended the eCRVS initiative, noting that it aligns with United Nations standards and global best practices. He highlighted its potential to enhance data accuracy, prevent identity-related fraud, and strengthen collaboration among key agencies.
“An electronic CRVS framework will enhance coordination between NPC, NIMC, and INEC, ensuring a more efficient identity management system,” he stated.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on National Population and Identity, Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, stressed the urgency of replacing Nigeria’s outdated legal structure on vital registration. “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,” he said.
The Acting Chairman was accompanied by several Federal Commissioners, the Director-General of the NPC, and senior management officials, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation in population and identity management.
