The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched an Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (ECRVS) system aimed at improving the accuracy, efficiency and security of birth and death registration data across Nigeria.

The launch was announced during a press briefing held in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.

Speaking during the briefing, the Federal Commissioner representing Zamfara State, Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, described the initiative as a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s civil registration system through digital technology.

Magarya said the electronic platform will provide reliable population statistics to support government planning, policy formulation, resource allocation and sustainable development.

He explained that birth and death registration are fundamental civil rights, adding that accurate records enable citizens to access essential public services, including education, healthcare, government programmes and other development initiatives.

The commissioner disclosed that the National Population Commission has established 4,011 functional registration centres across Nigeria’s 774 local government councils, while efforts are ongoing to expand the network to 8,000 centres to reduce the number of unregistered births and deaths nationwide.

“Births registration coverage currently stands at about 57 % nationwide while death’s registration remains below 20% out of the estimated five million births annually” Magarya Said.

He added that the electronic platform has already been deployed across the country.

“For accurate data of births and deaths in Zamfara, the National population commission has launched the Electronic civil registration and vital statistics system” He added.

“The Initiative according to authorities is operational nationwide ” He added.

According to the commission, comprehensive civil registration is critical for effective governance and national development.

Magarya noted that the initiative extends beyond administrative record-keeping, contributing to national statistics, evidence-based public policy, equitable resource allocation and long-term development planning.

He also urged stakeholders to support the initiative by ensuring prompt registration of births and deaths through the new digital platform.

“We appeal to parents, traditional leaders, Community members, and healthcare providers to ensure that every birth and death is promptly registered through the new electronic system” Magarya pleaded.

Source: TVC News