BABIES TO GET NIN AT BIRTH AS SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo at the event.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu launched the e-Birth registration initiative, a collaboration between the Lagos State Government, the National Population Commission (NPC), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The launch held on Thursday, at the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) along with commissioning of newly built projects facilitated by the the Council chairman, Hon. Muibi Folawiyo.

Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the new digital registration system will ensure every child is assigned a National Identification Number (NIN) from birth, strengthening data management and government planning.

 “With the e-registration that has started now, children will have their National Identification Numbers from birth. It is data we are collecting right from the start, and that is the way to go. Government can use it to plan, support development, and know where everyone resides,” the Governor said.

The Head of UNICEF South-West Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, applauded Lagos State and the National Population Commission for embracing digital birth registration, noting that the innovation would help guarantee every child’s right to identity and access to essential services.

She reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to supporting the Lagos State Government in achieving universal birth registration through the deployment of the newly launched electronic birth registration (e-Birth) system, aimed at ensuring that every child born in the State is visible and protected.

Lafoucriere also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for demonstrating genuine leadership and political will toward protecting children’s rights in the state.

She also praised Lagos State for leading the country with 94 per cent of children under five already registered but stressed that more work must be done to reach children in informal settlements and underserved communities.

The event attracted dignitaries, including members of the Lagos State Executive Council, Conference 57 chairmen, traditional rulers, political, religious and market leaders, and representatives of development partners.