Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday unveiled the electronic registration of newborns alongside the digital registration of children aged 0 to 12 months, describing the programme as an essential tool for accurate, real-time data and effective governance.
Speaking at the launch, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the E-Birth Registration Process represents a major milestone in Lagos State’s ongoing digital transformation.
“This initiative, rolled out by the National Population Commission (NPC), allows for the digital registration of children aged 0 to 12 months, automatically assigning them a National Identification Number (NIN),” the governor explained.
He further highlighted that the programme is part of a joint effort between the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria to modernize the traditional manual birth registration system into a streamlined electronic civil registration and vital statistics and NIN enrolment system.
According to him, the project, which began in October, will run for six months.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the new digital system would cover all local government areas and local council development areas in Lagos, guaranteeing that every child in the state is legally identified from birth.
“The socio-economic benefits of this initiative are immense. By providing children with a legal identity at birth, we enhance their access to education, healthcare, and social services, ensuring that no child is left behind. It also equips government with accurate, real-time data crucial for planning in maternal and child health, education, and community development,” he said.
The governor described the project as a prime example of how digital innovation can transform service delivery, promote social inclusion, and strengthen economic planning.
“This effort aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9, which advocates for legal identity for all. It also demonstrates the strength of partnerships between the Federal Government through the NPC, Lagos State Government, UNICEF, and local registration centers,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He encouraged parents to participate in the programme and ensure their children are registered, emphasizing the importance of awareness, accessible registration centers, and vigilance against fraudulent entries.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we must ensure every child in Lagos State secures a legal identity and the opportunities that come with it,” he said.
Alongside the digital registration initiative, Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated several infrastructure projects overseen by Muibi Alade Folawiyo.
Among these were the revamped Secretariat at Zappas, which now features an administrative building named after the governor, the Hon. R.F. Balogun Legislative Building, a 500-seater event hall, 56 ensuite offices, the F.O.K. Sanya Chapel, and the Alhaja Risikat Ogunbami-Abisogun Mosque.
He stated that the modernized Secretariat would function as a center for governance, entrepreneurship, and community development while also boosting internally generated revenue for the state.
