UNICEF Warns of Risks for Nigerian Children Without Birth Certificates

UNICEF has raised concerns that millions of Nigerian children without birth registration are at risk of being excluded from essential public services and social protection programs. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, stated that legal identity is crucial for children to access and exercise their basic rights throughout life.

This warning was issued during a two-day media dialogue organized by the National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with UNICEF, aimed at advocating for the registration of children under one year. Lafoucriere described birth registration as a fundamental right, highlighting that children without legal identity may struggle to access education, healthcare, and social services, with potential long-term consequences into adulthood.

She emphasized the need for accurate registration figures for effective government planning. Abiola Kekere-Ekun, Lagos State Director of NPC, echoed the call for stronger media support to enhance public awareness about the importance of birth registration.

Dennis Onoise, a UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, identified challenges such as weak legal frameworks and low community awareness affecting birth registration in Nigeria.