NoAlarming Rates of Unregistered Children in Nigeria: A Call to Action

A recent report by the Nigeria Demographic and Health Sucrvey (NDHS) 2023-2024 has shed light on a pressing issue affecting millions of children in Nigeria.

According to the survey, a significant percentage of children under the age of five lack birth certificates, with some states recording alarmingly high rates of unregistered children.

The survey reveals that Enugu State has the highest percentage of unregistered children, with a staggering 45.4% of children under five lacking birth certificates. Other states with high rates of unregistered children include Ebonyi (31.9%), Edo (31.6%), FCT (29.3%), Delta (29.2%), Abia (27.9%), Lagos (23.7%), Adamawa (18.7%), Rivers (18.5%), Bayelsa (18.1%), Ekiti (17.8%), and Imo (17.6%).

The lack of birth registration has far-reaching implications for children, including limited access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Without a birth certificate, children may struggle to prove their age and identity, which can have long-term consequences for their future opportunities.

The findings of the NDHS 2023-2024 survey highlight the need for urgent action to address the issue of unregistered children in Nigeria. The government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders must work together to increase awareness about the importance of birth registration and improve access to registration services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

By tackling the problem of unregistered children, Nigeria can take a significant step towards building a more inclusive and equitable society, where every child has the chance to reach their full potential. It is essential that all stakeholders prioritize this issue and work towards ensuring that every child in Nigeria is registered and has access to the opportunities they deserve.