The National Population Commission (NPC) has officially activated a digital registration system for births and deaths throughout Benue State. This E-CRVS initiative now covers all 23 local government areas, spanning 273 council wards and 79 designated registration points.
Barrister Patricia Iyanya Kupchi, the Federal Commissioner for Benue State, introduced the platform in Makurdi. She explained that the system, known as VitalReg, became active on July 1, 2026, following a mandate from the national headquarters. This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s November 2023 launch of the E-CRVS framework, which aims to modernize Nigeria’s civil registration.
Kupchi highlighted that this technology is essential for providing citizens with legal identities and equipping the government with accurate data for healthcare, security, and economic planning. The VitalReg platform streamlines the process by reducing paperwork, ensuring faster service, and integrating with other government identity databases.
To ensure widespread adoption, the NPC has formed partnerships with groups including ALGON, NIMC, and UNICEF to bring registration services directly into local communities. While standard registration is heavily subsidized to meet Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, some administrative fees remain for specific services like document re-issuance.
Local leaders, religious figures, and the media are being urged to raise public awareness about the benefits of this system. During the launch, Kupchi showcased the platform’s efficiency by registering an infant, Ikpanyar Awai. The event also received praise from local disability advocacy groups for the inclusive nature of the digital registration process.
