Nigeria launches VitalReg digital platform for birth and death registration

The National Population Commission (NPC) has inaugurated the VitalReg platform under the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e‑CRVS) system, enabling Nigerians to register births and deaths online. The digital service became fully operational on 1 July 2026 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, offering 24‑hour access, digital certificate issuance, automated data validation and enhanced security. Physical registration centres remain for those without internet, and each digitally registered newborn receives a National Identification Number.

NPC Chairman Dr Aminu Yusuf noted that "birth registration coverage currently stands at about 57 % nationwide, while death registration remains below 20 %," and said the platform will help close these gaps. The commission has 4,011 functional registration centres, with plans to expand to about 8,000, and has partnered with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, the National Identity Management Commission, UNICEF and Barnksforte Technologies for decentralised service delivery. While fees for specialised administrative services are under review, basic birth registration and notification remain highly subsidised.