UNICEF Hails Nigeria’s 14 Million Birth Registrations in Two Years, Commends First Lady Oluremi Tinubu
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Nigeria for recording a significant increase in birth registration, revealing that 14 million children have been officially registered within the past two years.
The disclosure was made by the UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, , Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s First Lady, , at the State House, Abuja.
Abdelatef described birth registration as the fundamental right of every child, noting that the progress recorded in Nigeria over the past two years is unprecedented in her experience.
“Birth registration is the first right of every child — to be counted and to be recognised. I have served in many places, but I have not seen this level of progress within such a short period,” she said.
She disclosed that 14 million children have had their births registered, adding that the system is being digitised at health facilities nationwide. According to her, the ongoing digital transformation, combined with a bill currently before the National Assembly, demonstrates strong political will and leadership.
Abdelatef also praised the First Lady’s broader humanitarian efforts, noting her visible leadership in initiatives supporting children and families, including food security and literacy programmes. She further highlighted the continental recognition of Tinubu’s work, stating that African leaders at an African Union meeting had commended her leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu acknowledged UNICEF’s longstanding impact in Nigeria and reiterated that every child has the right to a legal identity and nationality.
“Every child counts,” the First Lady declared, stressing that birth registration is critical for integrating children into the nation’s health and social services.
She described the latest figures as encouraging but emphasised the need for sustained efforts until every Nigerian child is registered and issued a birth certificate.
“This is how nations develop. We must ensure that every child is counted. It is not just about birth registration alone; we are also looking at birth certificates,” she said.
The First Lady noted that Nigeria has not conducted a population census in a long time, adding that comprehensive child registration could provide vital data to guide government planning and service delivery.
While expressing satisfaction over improvements in birth registration, she raised concerns about Nigeria’s high rates of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and child and maternal mortality, describing the situation as worrisome.
However, she assured that the current administration is taking deliberate steps to reposition the country for a better future.
“We are not sitting with our hands folded. We are doing our best to ensure that this administration positions Nigeria for the future,” she said.
Tinubu appreciated UNICEF for its continued support and reliable data, pledging deeper collaboration in areas that would benefit Nigerian children and families.
The meeting underscores ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and development partners to strengthen civil registration systems and improve child welfare outcomes across the country.
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