The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced a significant policy regarding the issuance of birth certificates in Nigeria. According to the NPC State Director for Oyo State, Mr. Akin Oyetunde, individuals over the age of 18 will not receive birth certificates. This decision aligns with the 1992 Act governing Birth and Death registration, which restricts the issuance of birth certificates to those born after the Act was enacted.
Mr. Oyetunde explained to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that instead of a birth certificate, persons born before 1992 and those older than 18 years would be provided with an Attestation of Birth. Meanwhile, individuals under 18 years of age will be eligible to obtain a birth certificate from the commission.
Additionally, the Oyo State director highlighted the accessibility of birth and death registration services across the state, noting that every local government area hosts several registration centers. He assured that the certificates issued are uniform and valid for use nationwide.
Regarding the postponed National Population and Housing Census initially scheduled for 2023, Mr. Oyetunde stated that the NPC is fully prepared for the exercise. The commission awaits the federal government’s approval to commence, with all necessary materials already distributed to local governments and personnel trained for the census.