The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Population Commission (NPC) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), to kickstart a digital birth registration of children aged zero to five years in Plateau State.

The initiative which was unveiled on Wednesday during a press conference with the theme “Birth Registration Social Mobilization Campaign” held at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Jos, will also be a catalyst to a social mobilization drive to ensure that every child in the state has access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

In her welcome remarks, the Plateau State Director of NOA, Mrs. Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo emphasized the importance of registering new born babies, noting that the door-to-door campaign which will be carried out in all the 17 local government areas in the state, will be free of charge and will be taken very seriously.

“We want everybody, especially parents, to know that birth registration should be taken seriously. This campaign will take several months to ensure that everyone is abreast with the new directive,” she said.

In his address, the Director General of National Population Commission, Ojogun Tellson Osifo, who was represented by the Director Special Duties and State Operations, Mr. David Akoji, said birth registration is the first legal acknowledgment of a child’s existence, essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges.

The DG further explained that the collaboration with the NOA, NPC and UNICEF is aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to education, healthcare, and essential services from birth.

He encouraged parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration centers, where children will receive a National Identification Number (NIN) upon completion of the registration.

“UNICEF is intervening because they have seen that our data for birth registration did not meet the global standard,” Osifo said.

In his statement at the press parley, the Director General of the NOA, Dr. Lanre Issa-Onilu said the groundbreaking initiative will shape the future of our nation’s children.

“The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in partnership with the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNICEF, is launching a nationwide birth registration social mobilization drive,” he noted.

“This drive aims to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to essential services like education, healthcare, and social protection. We are focusing on registering all children aged 0-5 years and providing them with a National Identification Number (NIN) free of charge.

“Birth registration is a fundamental right of every child, and this initiative highlights its importance to the child, family, community, and nation. It is the first legal acknowledgement of a child’s existence, safeguarding their rights and privileges, and unlocking access to basic services crucial for their development and future.

“Accurate birth registration is vital for national planning and development, providing essential data for education, healthcare, and public services. By registering a child’s birth, families ensure recognition by the state, protecting them from abuse, exploitation, and statelessness.

“We encourage parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration center to register their children. The process is simple, free, and requires only supporting documents like an immunization card or existing birth certificate.

“During this drive, every child aged 0-5 years will receive a NIN upon face capturing and birth registration. We urge all parents, guardians, and community leaders to participate in this crucial exercise. Let’s work together to give every child in Nigeria the best start in life.

“The birth registration drive, which started in August, will run until November 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure every child in your community has access to vital services,” he stated.

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NOA Collaborates With NPC, UNICEF to Commence Birth Registration for Babies in Plateau