Nigeria's National Population Commission pushes digital census and online birth registration

The National Population Commission (NPC) is preparing for a more credible national census by adopting digital technologies. The commission has digitally demarcated enumeration areas across all 774 local government areas, mapped buildings nationwide and procured devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that will be used once the federal government authorises the next census. It also plans to incorporate biometric tools to prevent manipulation of data.

NPC Commissioner Dr. Yahaya Isiaka Alada urged Nigerians to use the commission’s new online platform for birth and death registration, which allows citizens to apply, answer required questions and print official certificates electronically. He emphasized that the digital system will strengthen vital statistics, identity management and access to public services.