FG Expands Digital Birth Registration to Strengthen Maternal and Child Health Services

Launching the digital platform in Abuja, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, said only 57 per cent of births and less than 20 per cent of deaths are currently registered in Nigeria, leaving millions without a legal identity and limiting access to reliable data for health planning and service delivery. He described the initiative as a major reform that will strengthen national data systems and support evidence-based healthcare policies.

The Commission disclosed that more than 4,000 registration centres have already been established nationwide, with plans to expand to about 8,000 centres. Birth registration for children aged 0–5 years and timely death registration remain free, while newborns registered through the digital platform will automatically receive a National Identification Number (NIN), improving access to essential health and social services from birth.

👉 Read more: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/07/npc-launches-nationwide-digital-birth-death-registration-system/

Health officials said the government is working with state governments and development partners to improve the procurement, distribution and monitoring of family planning commodities under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. The reforms are designed to reduce stock-outs, improve access to quality reproductive healthcare, and enable women and couples to make informed reproductive health choices.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said strengthening commodity security remains essential to reducing unintended pregnancies, improving maternal health outcomes, and achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. Government also pledged to enhance supply chain systems and deepen collaboration with states to ensure commodities reach health facilities where they are most needed.

👉 Read more: https://health.gov.ng/

📌 At a Glance

📍FG launches nationwide digital birth registration system to strengthen maternal and child health planning and guarantee every child a legal identity from birth.

📍More than 4,000 registration centres operational nationwide, with plans to expand to 8,000 while maintaining free birth registration for children under five years.

📍Federal Government strengthens family planning commodity security to ensure uninterrupted availability of contraceptives and reproductive health supplies.

📍Government deepens collaboration with states and partners to improve procurement, distribution and access to reproductive health commodities nationwide.

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We remain committed to tracking government policies, reforms, investments and commitments that advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across Nigeria, ensuring you stay informed on the decisions shaping maternal health, family planning, adolescent health, reproductive rights and primary healthcare.