The National Population Commission (NPC) has officially ended manual birth and death registrations in Nigeria. The agency declared that only certificates processed through its Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) platform will be legally valid moving forward. This digital system became the primary registration method on July 1, 2026.
Rev. Emma Trumps Eke, the Federal Commissioner for Abia State, announced the shift during a briefing for World Population Day. He explained that digital registration enables real-time data collection, which enhances national planning, boosts identity security, and limits fraudulent activity. Officials found using manual methods will face severe consequences, including potential termination.
The updated digital database links directly with government bodies like the National Identity Management Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps. This integration allows for immediate verification of documents required for passports, bank accounts, and licenses. Citizens may now register through a self-service web portal, with approvals typically granted within 72 hours, though local registration centers remain open.
While the country is pivoting to digital, planning for a national population and housing census remains ongoing. The commission anticipates this major census exercise might be approved for 2028, following the 2027 general elections. Local officials, including Abia State Director Joyce Ogwuruike, are encouraging parents to prioritize digital registration for their children to ensure seamless access to government services and public health programs.
