The Federal Government has introduced a digital platform through which Nigerians can register births and deaths, obtain birth attestations, correct civil registration information and verify certificates without visiting registration offices.
The platform, developed by the National Population Commission, was announced by the National Orientation Agency as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration system and reduce the paperwork and long queues associated with obtaining vital records.
The NOA said Nigerians who require assistance with the process can also visit any NPC registration centre across the country.
“Getting a birth or death certificate in Nigeria just got easier! You can also visit any NPC registration centre nationwide for assistance,” the agency stated.
The government said registering births and deaths is important because civil registration provides individuals with legal identity and helps them access services including healthcare, education, passports, banking and government programmes.
How to apply for a birth certificate
Applicants seeking to register a birth online are required to begin the process through the NPC self-service portal.
Birth registration for children below five years remains free when completed at any NPC registration centre, while the online self-service option attracts a ₦5,000 processing fee.
For an online application to be eligible, the child must have been born in Nigeria and must have a National Identification Number.
At least one of the child’s parents must also be a Nigerian citizen, while one parent is required to possess a valid birth certificate.
After a successful application, the birth certificate can be downloaded only once, meaning applicants who require additional copies will have to apply for a certificate reprint through the NPC portal.
The Commission also states that payments made during the application process are non-refundable.
Requirements for death registration
The NPC said death registration remains free, with applicants expected to provide the National Identification Number of the person reporting the death.
Where the deceased did not have a NIN, the informant must provide the reason for its absence as part of the registration process.
Applicants are also required to supply information about the deceased, including personal details, place of death, usual place of residence and occupation.
The registration form further requires the date and cause of death, marital status, literacy level and information on whether the death was certified by a medical doctor.
Applicants must then select the state where the registration is being made, the relevant Local Government Area and their preferred NPC registration centre.
The Commission said applicants would receive a confirmation email after the death registration process has been successfully completed.
Where Nigerians can access the services
The online services are available through the National Population Commission’s official digital platforms for birth registration and death registration.
Applicants who encounter difficulties or require physical assistance can visit an NPC registration centre in any part of the country for support.
The introduction of the online system is expected to make civil registration more accessible while reducing the need for applicants to rely entirely on physical registration offices.
For Nigerians, the process means that essential records relating to births and deaths can now be initiated digitally, although applicants must still meet the relevant eligibility and documentation requirements before certificates are issued.
