National Population Commission (NPC), with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (E-CRVS) in Lagos.
At a news conference on the E-CRVS, Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State, Mrs. Saidat Olayinka-Oladunjoye, said the system is aimed at improving quality of life and to ensure government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.
She stressed that civil registration is the bedrock of any functional society because it provides the legal foundation for identity of individuals, and serves as first step in accessing healthcare, education, employment, and other social services.
The commissioner also noted benefits of E-CRVS beyond improving registration processes. According to her, the system can transform data governance and public service delivery through enhanced policy formulation, economic growth and development, social justice and equity.
She noted: “Operationalisation of the E-CRVS system in Lagos State marks a new dawn for the commission and Nigeria. It is a leap for modernisation; a step to ensure each citizen is recognised, counted and served.
“Nigeria faces challenges in this area. Millions lack birth and death certificates, which leaves them vulnerable and disenfranchised. Without proper civil documentation, many cannot access basic services, travel freely, or enrol their children in school. Absence of accurate statistics further hampers governments’ ability to formulate effective policies and respond to the needs of our population.
“Lagos State is operating 141 registration centres in all local governments and Local Council Development Areas, ensuring there are at least four centres in each council, as well as in certain PHCs.
“All centres were being operated manually with informants coming up to notify the registrar about an event before it is registered. The new electronic civil registration system will digitise the processes of birth and death registration, still-births, marriage licences, and other vital events, thereby enabling faster, more efficient, and more secure registrations.
“It will allow for more accessibility and inclusion, real-time data collection, data security and privacy, and integration with health systems, it will begin from now till December.
“The commission will engage in regular assessments of the system’s performance, feedback mechanisms will be established to gather input from users and stakeholders, which will guide improvement and development”.
State Director, Bamidele Sadiku, said there are daily advancements in technology, and it is guaranteed that the equipment are of high standards. He noted that queries will be issued in the case of any discrepancy, which will pause the registration until the issue is resolved.
