The United Nations Children’s Fund has commended Nigeria for achieving a major milestone in birth registration, announcing that 14 million children have been officially registered within the past two years.
The disclosure was made by the UNICEF Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, during a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja, highlighting progress in strengthening Nigeria’s civil registration and vital statistics system.
Describing birth registration as “the first right of every child,” Abdelatef praised the pace of progress recorded under the current administration, noting that the achievement stands out globally.
“Birth registration, we look at it as the first right of every child to be counted, to be recognised and it is really impressive. I have served in many places, but I have not seen in two years a progress that has happened here in Nigeria,” she said.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the UNICEF representative said the registration of 14 million children reflects broad improvements in civil documentation systems, supported by leadership commitment and institutional reforms.
“We have 14 million children whose births have been registered. The system is being digitalised at health facilities at the ward level as well. Combined with that, there is a bill before the National Assembly. Things don’t just happen like that; we scale with our leadership,” she added.
Abdelatef expressed appreciation to the First Lady for championing child-focused initiatives and strengthening partnerships with development agencies.
“I am really grateful for you leading this area of birth registration and allowing us to celebrate this fantastic leadership,” she said, recalling her participation in initiatives including the National Community Food Bank launch and other social interventions aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She further noted that the First Lady’s leadership had received continental recognition, stating that African Union platforms had acknowledged her advocacy efforts on behalf of children and families.
Responding, Senator Tinubu described the progress as encouraging but emphasised that sustained efforts are required until every Nigerian child is captured in the national registration system.
“Every child counts,” she declared, stressing that birth registration guarantees nationality, legal identity and access to essential services.
“What joy do I have this morning to hear that birth registration is going on well. This is how nations develop,” she said.
The First Lady underscored the need to maintain momentum, explaining that birth registration represents only the foundation for building a comprehensive civil documentation framework.
“I won’t say that we are really there yet. For me, we have to keep with it and make sure that every child is counted. It is the beginning for us, not just birth registration alone, we are looking at birth certificates,” she said.
She linked birth registration to national planning and improved delivery of social services, noting that the absence of recent census data makes accurate population tracking difficult.
“Nigeria has not had a census in a long time, so we don’t really have a headcount. But if we start with the children, at least we would know the number of children to care for, and it would guide how the government can provide for its citizens,” she explained.
While acknowledging the progress made, Senator Tinubu expressed concern over ongoing public health challenges, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and high rates of child and maternal mortality.
“Nigeria is a huge population. When it comes to tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and child and maternal mortality, the numbers are still high, and it is worrisome for me,” she said.
She assured that the administration remains actively engaged in addressing these challenges.
“We are not sitting with our hands folded. We are trying to do the best that we can to see that this administration is able to position Nigeria to what the future should hold for us,” she stated.
The First Lady also commended UNICEF for its longstanding partnership and data-driven interventions in Nigeria, pledging continued collaboration.
“In any area you want us to collaborate, we are here. We want to thank UNICEF for the interest and the work you have done. In years that I have known UNICEF, they have always given us the right data to work with,” she said.
The visit underscored renewed cooperation between Nigeria and UNICEF aimed at advancing child rights, strengthening civil registration systems and improving health and social outcomes for millions of Nigerian children.
