FCTA TO BOOST BIRTH REGISTRATION IN COMMUNITIES

By: Josie Mudasiru

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, His Excellency, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, has launched a grassroots social mobilisation exercise to promote birth registration in the FCT.

This initiative, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to ensure every child is registered and documented, paving the way for a brighter future.

The exercise, in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria, Nigeria Population Commission (NPC), Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and National Orientation Agency (NOA), aims to address the low level of birth registration in the territory.

Speaking at the commencement of the exercise at the Palace of the Ona of Abaji, Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Honourable Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, represented by Director, Child Development Department, Dr Idris Yahaya Attah, emphasised the importance of birth registration.

 “A lot of children are born outside hospitals and in remote communities. These children need to be properly captured and documented as citizens of the FCT and Nigeria.” She said.

Dr Benjamins-Laniyi stressed that accurate data is crucial for planning and development, urging Abaji communities to cooperate with the FCT Administration to ensure they benefit from democratic dividends. UNICEF Nigeria, represented by Mrs Phydelia Abbas, is supporting this initiative.

The exercise, which began on March 26, will cover all Area Councils, with the following schedule: Kwali – April 8, Gwagwalada- April 9, Kuje- April 10, and AMAC – April 13, 2026.

The registration is free for children aged 0-1 year and 1-5 years.