Nigeria Moves Birth Registration to Digital System as NPC Introduces Certificate Reissuance Service
Nigeria is gradually moving away from the traditional paper-based birth registration system as the National Population Commission (NPC) expands its digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) platform, known as VitalReg.
The transition is expected to make birth registration and other vital records easier to manage and verify. However, Nigerians who still have older or manual birth certificates may need to take additional steps to have their records transferred into the digital system.
For eligible holders of non-digital birth certificates, the NPC now provides a Certificate Reissuance service.
Birth Registration Is Free for Children Aged 0–5
Parents registering the birth of children between 0 and 5 years old can do so free of charge at NPC registration centres.
The birth registration process covers children and young people aged 0 to 17, while Birth Attestation is applicable to individuals aged 18 years and above.
This distinction is important because applicants sometimes confuse birth registration with birth attestation when trying to obtain their documents.
NIN Becomes an Important Part of the Process
The National Identification Number (NIN) now plays an important role in Nigeria's civil registration process.
NPC's digital system uses NIN information to help link an individual's identity with civil registration records. This means applicants may need to provide the appropriate NIN information during the registration or reissuance process.
For children's registration, the parent's Attestation Number may also be required, while the child's NIN is among the information required by the NPC system.
What Happens If You Have an Old Birth Certificate?
Nigerians who already have an old or manual birth certificate do not necessarily have to start the process from scratch.
The NPC provides a Certificate Reissuance service for eligible holders of non-digital certificates.
Applicants using this service are required to provide their NIN and upload a copy of their old non-digital birth certificate as part of the process.
This is particularly important for Nigerians whose existing birth records were issued under the previous paper-based system.
Birth Attestation May Also Be Required
Those using the self-service option should also pay attention to the requirements surrounding Birth Attestation.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances and the type of registration being processed, Birth Attestation may be required before a child's registration can be completed.
Applicants are therefore advised to check the requirements carefully before beginning the process.
Nigerians Should Verify the Requirements Before Visiting an NPC Office
The transition to a digital system could reduce paperwork and make civil registration records easier to manage in the long term.
However, public awareness remains a major issue.
Many Nigerians may still be unaware that there is now a digital process for dealing with old birth certificates. Others may arrive at registration centres without knowing that their NIN, attestation information or previous certificate may be required.
Checking the requirements in advance can help applicants avoid unnecessary trips, delays and frustration.
Nigerians seeking to use the service should rely on the official National Population Commission platform for current requirements and procedures.
Official NPC services: "National Population Commission – VitalReg Services"
0 Comments