Lagos child birth registration initiative ensures all children are registered, giving them legal identity, access to education, healthcare, and essential services.
The Lagos child birth registration initiative has been launched by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with UNICEF, the National Population Commission (NPC), and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
The program aims to ensure that every child born in Lagos State is officially registered in the national database, guaranteeing legal identity and access to essential services.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the initiative will make it easier to capture children’s information from birth and link it with their National Identification Number (NIN).
“Every child from zero to 12 months must be registered under the National Population Commission. With E-registration, their data is collected right from birth, and this is the way forward,” the governor said.
UNICEF Lagos Field Office Chief, Celine Lafoucriere, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond documentation, describing registration as a fundamental tool for child protection.
“Without a birth certificate, a child cannot access healthcare properly, cannot enrol in school, and cannot receive social services. They are invisible. And we know the risks faced by invisible children,” she said.
Lagos State currently leads the country, with about 94 percent of children under five already registered, yet the Lagos child birth registration initiative is targeting full coverage, focusing especially on children in hard-to-reach and informal communities.
This year, Lagos aims to register 545,000 children under one year, while UNICEF is supporting 3.69 million children under one year across 15 states nationwide.
The initiative encourages collaboration between government agencies, local councils, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and the media to ensure no child is left unregistered.
Lafoucriere said, “This launch is not only about registration; it is about accountability. Every stakeholder must ensure that every child is counted.”
The digital nature of the Lagos child birth registration initiative ensures that each child is linked to a NIN, which strengthens future access to healthcare, education, and other social programs.
This integration also provides accurate population data for better planning in areas such as public health, educational infrastructure, and community development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that accurate registration data will help local governments identify underserved communities and allocate resources effectively.
“Government can use this data to plan, support development, and understand where every resident lives. Local government chairmen will take this message to their communities,” he said.
The program also emphasizes awareness campaigns and community engagement, ensuring families understand the benefits of timely child registration.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers are expected to mobilize households, stressing the long-term advantages of registering children at birth.
Experts predict that the Lagos child birth registration initiative will serve as a model for other states in Nigeria.
By combining technology, policy, and community involvement, Lagos demonstrates how a systematic, digital approach can secure child rights and improve governance.
By prioritizing birth registration, Lagos is safeguarding children’s rights and creating opportunities for equitable access to education, healthcare, and social protection.
The initiative also highlights the importance of monitoring and evaluation, with government agencies tracking progress, identifying gaps, and implementing solutions to ensure every child is accounted for.
The collaboration between UNICEF, NPC, ALGON, and other stakeholders positions Lagos to become the first state in Nigeria to achieve universal digital birth registration.
“Every child matters, and this initiative guarantees that no child is left behind,” Lafoucriere concluded.
With the Lagos child birth registration initiative, Lagos State sets a new benchmark in child rights protection and digital governance.
Every child in the state is now on track to receive a legal identity, a birth certificate, and access to essential services, laying a foundation for a more inclusive and child-centered society.
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