NPC Reports 60% of Nigerian Children Unregistered at Birth

The National Population Commission (NPC) has reported that about 60% of children in Nigeria are not registered at birth, raising significant concerns regarding national planning and child protection. NPC Director Obodo Adaku stated that this lack of registration poses a serious threat to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which aims for legal identity for all by 2030.

During a training workshop for stakeholders in Oyo State, Adaku described birth registration as a fundamental right and a vital governance tool. She highlighted that unregistered children are at risk of child trafficking and lack future opportunities.

The NPC is working to enhance digital birth registration, which is currently free for children aged 0 to 5. Adaku linked the poor registration culture to Nigeria's challenges in meeting global targets and cited a recent incident in Oyo State where missing children could not be accounted for due to inadequate birth records.

Sikiru Sanda, ALGON Chairman in Oyo State, urged parents to prioritize birth registration for their children.