ABUJA (FN) — More than 28 million Nigerian children do not have birth certificates, according to a new report that warns the lack of legal identity could limit access to education, healthcare and social protection across Africa’s most populous nation.
The findings, released this week by child‑rights advocates working with government agencies, highlight long‑standing gaps in Nigeria’s civil registration system. The report says millions of children especially those in rural communities reach school age without any official record of their birth, making it difficult to prove their nationality, age or eligibility for public services.
Nigeria’s National Population Commission, which oversees birth registration, acknowledged the challenges and said efforts are underway to expand digital registration, increase local enrollment centers and work with traditional leaders to encourage families to register newborns.
The report warns that the consequences extend far beyond paperwork. Without a birth certificate, children may struggle to enroll in school, receive vaccinations, access social welfare programs or obtain a passport later in life. In adulthood, the absence of legal identity can complicate employment, voting and property ownership.
International organizations say the issue reflects a broader global concern. UNICEF estimates that one in four children worldwide are not officially registered at birth, with the highest rates in sub‑Saharan Africa. Experts say rapid population growth, limited infrastructure and low public awareness contribute to the problem.
Nigeria, home to more than 220 million people, faces unique pressures. High birth rates, remote communities and security challenges in parts of the country have made it difficult for officials to reach families consistently. Some parents also avoid registration due to cost, travel distance or misconceptions about the process.
Child‑rights advocates say improving registration is essential for national planning. “A country cannot effectively plan schools, hospitals or social programs if millions of its citizens are invisible on paper,” one policy analyst said. “Birth certificates are the foundation of legal identity.”
Public reaction has been mixed. Some Nigerians expressed concern on social media, calling the numbers “alarming” and urging the government to act quickly. Others said the report reflects long‑standing problems that require sustained investment rather than short‑term fixes.
