The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Lagos State for its E-Birth Registration initiative, describing it as a fundamental right that provides children with identity, protection, and visibility.
Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF Chief of Lagos Office, made the remarks during her keynote address at the official launch of the initiative.
She emphasised that effective leadership requires investing in systems, resources, and commitments that safeguard every child.
“Birth registration is more than documentation. It is a fundamental right granting identity, protection, and visibility.
”Without it, children struggle to access healthcare, education, and essential social services,” Lafoucriere said.
She highlighted Lagos’ significant progress, noting that 94 per cent of children under five have been registered, a testament to deliberate action and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment.
She however, stressed that underserved communities still face barriers, particularly low-income families and informal settlements, where parents may lack knowledge or access.
UNICEF pledged continued support through training, equipment distribution, and strengthened systems across all 20 local government areas to ensure full implementation.
The organisation aimed to support the registration of 3.69 million Nigerian children in 2025, including 545,000 in Lagos alone.
In his remarks, Gôvernor Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos is building a smarter, inclusive city through digital access, social support, and responsive governance.
The e-birth registration system, launched in partnership with the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNICEF, now assigns every child a National Identification Number (NIN) from birth, enhancing data accuracy, planning efficiency, and equitable development.
“With e-registration, every child receives a NIN from birth. Reliable data strengthens planning, supports development, and helps government understand community needs.
”This digital shift is the future of responsible governance,” the governor said.
Mr. Dennis Onoise, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, explained that digital registration has replaced manual methods, helping Lagos achieve about 94 per cent birth registration for children under five.
He emphasised the focus on registering children under one year to secure their legal identity and long-term protection.
He added that children above five who are not yet registered can still do so through the NPC.
Parents are encouraged to register their children early to ensure access to critical services, schooling, and official identification.
The initiative is a collaborative effort by the Lagos State Government, National Population Commission (NPC), the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and UNICEF.
