NPC, FIRST LADY ADVOCATE BIRTH REGISTRATION

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Aminu Yusuf, has emphasized the importance of birth registration as a foundation for legal identity, access to social services, and credible national data.

Yusuf made this statement on Thursday during the presentation of a National Birth Certificate to the first baby born in Nigeria in 2026 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.

The certificate was presented by the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who unveiled Baby Zion Adakole, born at exactly 12:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026.

The baby was delivered via caesarean section to a 26-year-old first-time mother, Mrs. Patience Adakole, and her husband, Mr. Celestine Adakole.

Speaking on the significance of birth registration, Yusuf said it provides a legal identity for every child from birth.

“The importance of birth registration is that it gives the child a legal identity. It is an important document that the child will be proud of as he grows. It also grants access to education, healthcare, and other essential services,” he said.

The NPC chairman noted that the commission is committed to expanding awareness and coverage of birth registration across the country. He explained that beyond the annual New Year baby event at the national level, similar initiatives would be replicated in all states.

“We want to ensure that by next year, similar activities are replicated across all states so that more people understand the importance of birth registration. First Ladies often visit hospitals in their states, but we want our commissioners and state directors to be involved to deepen awareness,” Yusuf stated.

He added that widespread birth registration is critical for generating accurate and transparent population data needed for national planning.

“The message is clear: credible national exercises such as the census can only succeed if foundational data like birth registration is accurate and transparent,” he said.

Yusuf further clarified that while the NPC does not directly manage population growth, it plays a central role in providing reliable data to relevant ministries and stakeholders.

“The NPC manages data that supports ministries in population management. For instance, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare implements programmes that support child spacing, while education also plays a key role. Our responsibility is to provide accurate data and coordinate evaluations over time,” he explained.

The event was attended by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and other dignitaries.

(NAN)