Birth registration: Emir urges authorities to deploy effective strategy to capture births, deaths in Kebbi 

Birth registration: Emir urges authorities to deploy effective strategy to capture births, deaths in Kebbi 

Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad-Mera, has urged National Population Commission (NPC) and state government to deploy effective strategy to capture every birth and death in a register in the state.

Muhammad-Mera, gave the advice at the agenda for the state- level kick – off operational plans for birth registration, 2023 in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

He said,” With increase in population and demands for adequate and proportionate planning for all sectors of human development, it is imperative that in this presentation Birth Registration is not a new program.

“It has been an instrument used by leaders from time in memorial as a foundation for planning and development. 

“This calls for the engagement of a structure that’s respected, trusted, recognized and embedded in all targeted communities. In  Nigeria only the traditional and religious leaders institutions personifies this descriptions.” 

According to him, the traditional and religious institutions are the oldest institutions anywhere in the world.

 He said that traditional rulers knew their boundaries and who to report to, adding that the arrangement was centuries old and still respected despite modern political boundaries. 

“The Traditional and Religious Leaders in this structure are always present on the seventh day when a child is named. 

“Because of the spread and impact of this institution and its historical role in this activity it is only natural to make it the first point of call for Birth Registration. 

Muhammad-Mera recommended that the NPC and all stakeholders should try to use the structure of traditional rulers and their personnel for the collection of first basic information such as Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth and Name of Parents of a new born child .

“All these can be collated at district level (Political Ward) and submitted monthly to Local Government relevant office for submission to State NPC office,” the emir said.

Earlier, the representative of the NPC, Dr Ahmad Muhammad, said the civil registration and vital statistics (eCRVS) held immense significance in the rapidly changing world where information was key and accurate data was the foundation of progress.

“They not only serve as the cornerstone for individual legal identity and the protection of human rights but also play a pivotal role in shaping national policies, decision-making processes, and development strategies. 

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“The eCRVS system will revolutionize the way we record and manage crucial information related to births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events within our jurisdiction,” he said. 

Muhammad said that the aim of the meeting was not only to familiarize them with the system but also to foster a comprehensive understanding of how it would enhance their capabilities and positively impact our society. 

“As we embark on this transformative journey, let us keep in mind the broader purpose of the eCRVS system—to improve the accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency of civil registration and vital statistics. 

“By implementing this digital solution, we are not only embracing technological advancement but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive, transparent, and data-driven society,” he said.

Muhammad also commended UNICEF their support in conducting birth registration and certification of 400,000 under five Children in the state, using digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics.