On December 15, 2025, the Nigerian Senate Committee on National Identity Card and National Population conducted a pivotal public hearing in Abuja on a bill aimed at overhauling the country's civil registration framework. The proposed legislation, titled "A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, Cap. B9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and to Enact the Compulsory Civil Registration Act 2025 to Provide for Electronic Civil Registration System; and for Other Related Matters, 2025," seeks to transition Nigeria from a paper-based, fragmented system to a fully electronic, integrated platform for recording births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, and other vital events.
The hearing, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh (representing Anambra Central and sponsor of the bill), brought together lawmakers, representatives from key government agencies, civil society organizations, and experts. Senator Umeh emphasized the urgency of the reform, stating that Nigeria has long relied on outdated laws and estimated projections that hinder accurate planning in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, national security, and economic development. "If Nigeria must compete globally and plan effectively, we must transition from paper-based, inconsistent records to a fully electronic and integrated platform," Umeh declared, highlighting how the current system challenges data reliability across socio-economic statuses, locations, genders, and faiths.
Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District and a member of the committee, actively participated in the deliberations. Known for his background as a chartered accountant and his focus on structured governance, Dafinone expressed strong support for the bill, noting its potential to significantly strengthen Nigeria’s civil registration framework and enable effective national planning. His involvement underscores the cross-party consensus on the need for modernization, aligning with his previous legislative efforts to promote unified frameworks for economic and social planning.
Stakeholders from major institutions presented submissions, offering insights, proposed amendments, and recommendations to refine the bill. The National Population Commission (NPC), represented by Federal Commissioner Clifford Zirra on behalf of Chairman Aminu Yusuf, commended the initiative as timely. The NPC called for a holistic review of both the National Population Act and the existing Births and Deaths (Compulsory Registration) Act to eliminate overlaps, clarify institutional mandates, and enhance enforcement mechanisms. Yusuf's representative noted that the NPC had collaborated with private consultants and UNICEF in reviewing the bill to align it with international standards.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) also contributed, stressing the bill's role in bolstering Nigeria's identity management ecosystem through greater inter-agency collaboration. Other participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and relevant health institutions. These bodies advocated for provisions that would promote seamless data sharing, reduce duplication, and ensure universal access to registration services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) voiced strong endorsement, describing the repeal of the 2004 Act as a progressive step reflecting contemporary technological realities. CAN representatives argued that an electronic system would improve inclusivity, ensuring that vital events are recorded regardless of religious or regional differences.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a keynote address delivered through a representative, described accurate civil registration as fundamental to national sovereignty and statehood. Deputy Senate Whip Peter Nwebonyi reinforced this, stating that a reliable registration system is essential for a credible national identity framework pivotal to collective security.
The public hearing highlighted longstanding challenges in Nigeria's civil registration. Current statistics indicate low coverage rates, with only about 57% of births and less than 20% of deaths officially registered, according to UNICEF and NPC data. This gap results in unreliable population statistics, complicating resource allocation, social welfare programs, and policy formulation. The proposed electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system aims to address these issues by establishing a centralized digital database, mandating compulsory registration, and integrating with existing identity platforms like the National Identification Number (NIN).
Participants agreed that the reforms would facilitate data-driven governance, enhance social services delivery, and support inclusive economic planning. Accurate vital statistics are crucial for budgeting in healthcare (e.g., immunization programs), education (school enrollment projections), and security (population distribution for policing). The bill also promises benefits for individual citizens, such as easier access to birth certificates for school enrollment, passports, or inheritance claims.
The hearing concluded on an optimistic note, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the diverse inputs would shape a robust final version of the legislation. Committee members, including Senator Dafinone, pledged to incorporate practical recommendations to ensure nationwide implementation feasibility. Once refined, the bill will proceed to further readings and potential passage in the Senate, followed by concurrence in the House of Representatives.
This legislative push aligns with broader efforts to digitize public services in Nigeria, reflecting global trends toward electronic vital statistics systems. If enacted, the Compulsory Civil Registration Act 2025 could mark a transformative step toward a more inclusive, efficient, and modern civil registration framework, benefiting every Nigerian through improved governance and development planning.
