In a strategic move to advance reforms in Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to driving digital identity and data integration as foundational pillars for national planning and inclusive governance.
Inuwa, who spoke during the inaugural meeting of the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Coordination Committee, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, highlighted the pivotal alignment of CRVS reform with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration prioritises digital public infrastructure, efficient service delivery, and data-driven policymaking, all of which CRVS supports.
While engaging with key stakeholders such as the National Population Commission (NPC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Inuwa stressed the essential role of CRVS in fostering evidence-based governance and inclusive development across all levels of government.
“The importance of civil registration and vital statistics cannot be overemphasised,” Inuwa said. “It is foundational for making informed and insightful decisions at every level of government, that is, federal, state, and local.”
He pointed out the pressing need to harmonise data systems across government institutions to enable real-time insights, smart planning, and responsive governance, adding that while fragmented data systems continue to hinder effective national planning, technology is the most viable tool to overcome this challenge.
“From registering people at birth, giving them legal identity, and linking that information to national planning and budgeting, technology can help us stitch everything together. Without harmonising our data, we cannot generate the insight we need for national development,” he explained.
Inuwa assured stakeholders of NITDA’s readiness to provide standards and advisory support to relevant agencies in order to ensure the digitisation of civil registration processes is not only seamless but also citizen-centric. He emphasized NITDA’s role as a key enabler in the digital transformation of CRVS systems.
“At NITDA, our vision is to ensure that the right standards and digital advisory services are in place for all institutions involved in CRVS. We are committed to supporting this committee by enabling the technology that will power seamless, integrated service delivery for all Nigerians,” he stated.
He further noted that NITDA’s alignment with the broader agenda of the National Population Council—to modernise identity management and streamline public service delivery—positions the agency as instrumental in developing the digital infrastructure and governance frameworks necessary for a unified CRVS platform.
“Digital is a lifestyle now. Nobody wants to fill out forms on paper or move from office to office. Everything must be digital, seamless, and secure,” the DG concluded.
The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population, Senator Victor Umeh; Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra; Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran; Director General of NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote; and President of ALGON, Engr. Bello Lawal, among many others.