The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Population Commission (NPC) have partnered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to register and issue birth certificates to 12.7 million births in 2023. This initiative aims to provide legal identities, including names and nationality, to children under the age of 5 in Nigeria. The registration will take place in 21 states, 456 local government areas (LGAs), and 4,978 wards across the country.
Dr. Ibrahim Sesay, the Chief Child Protection of UNICEF, announced that 800 Corps Members would be involved in the registration process, working alongside NPC officials. He emphasized that birth registration and birth certificates are essential for establishing the identity of every Nigerian child. The data collected during the registration will be stored in the digital birth registration system maintained by the National Population Commission.
Mr. Omotade Ayodele, the Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services, highlighted that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) designates UNICEF as the lead agency in collaboration with the NYSC. He also expressed the willingness of the NYSC to partner with organizations contributing to national development.
Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC, commended the initiative. He urged for adequate security and fair remuneration for the Corps Members involved in the registration process. Dr. Tellson Ojogun Osifo, representing the Director General of the NPC, expressed the commission’s readiness for the collaboration.
