The Federal Government has launched a new online platform that allows Nigerians to register births and deaths, apply for birth attestation, correct civil registration records and verify certificates without visiting an office.

The National Population Commission (NPC) introduced the self-service platform, while the National Orientation Agency (NOA) announced it on Tuesday as part of efforts to digitise civil registration services across the country.

According to the NOA, the platform is expected to reduce the long queues and paperwork that many Nigerians face when applying for birth and death certificates.

The agency said, “Getting a birth or death certificate in Nigeria just got easier! You can also visit any NPC registration centre nationwide for assistance.”

The NOA said proper birth and death registration gives Nigerians a legal identity and improves access to healthcare, education, passports, banking services and other government programmes.

How to apply for a birth certificate online

Applicants can begin the process through the NPC self-service portal.

The commission said birth registration for children under the age of five remains free at all NPC registration centres across the country.

However, anyone using the online self-service platform to apply for a birth certificate will pay a processing fee of ?5,000.

Requirements for online birth certificate application

According to the NPC, applicants must meet the following conditions:

The child must have been born in Nigeria.

The child must have a National Identification Number (NIN).

At least one parent must be a Nigerian citizen.

One parent must have a valid birth certificate.

The birth certificate can only be downloaded once after approval.

Anyone who needs another copy must apply for a certificate reprint through the NPC portal.

Payments made on the platform are non-refundable.

How to register a death online

The NPC said death registration remains free.

Applicants must provide the informant’s National Identification Number before starting the registration.

If the deceased did not have a NIN, the applicant must explain why.

The commission said applicants will also provide details such as the deceased’s personal information, place of death, usual residence, occupation, date and cause of death, marital status, literacy level and whether the death was certified by a medical doctor.

Applicants are also expected to select the registration state, local government area and the NPC registration centre handling the application.

According to the commission, a confirmation email will be sent after a successful application.

The NPC said Nigerians who need help with the online process can also visit any National Population Commission registration centre across the country. (Nigerian Tribune)

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