CRVS Reform: NITDA engages NPC, NIMC, NBS on digital ID, data integration

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, underscores the critical role of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in driving evidence-based governance, national planning, and inclusive service delivery across Nigeria

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has restated the organisation’s commitment to driving digital identity (ID) and data integration as critical enablers of national planning and inclusive governance.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Inuwa, who said this at the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Co-ordination Committee Inaugural Meeting, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, in Abuja, FCT, noted the strategic stakeholder engagement aimed at advancing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) reform in Nigeria.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency disclosed the Director-General, at the event, engaged with key institutions, including the National Population Commission (NPC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In his address, Inuwa also highlighted the alignment of CRVS reform with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he stated prioritises “digital public infrastructure, efficient service delivery, and data-driven policymaking”.

He also underlined the critical role of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in driving evidence-based governance, national planning, and inclusive service delivery across Nigeria.

Inuwa averred: “The importance of civil registration and vital statistics cannot be overemphasised, and it is foundational for making informed and insightful decisions at every level of government, that is, federal, state, and local.”

The NITDA Chief Executive, therefore, emphasised the urgent need for harmonised data systems across government institutions to enable real-time insights, smart planning, and responsive governance.

With fragmented data systems continuing to hamper the country’s ability to plan effectively, leveraging technology would be key to unlocking progress, stated he.

Inuwa further explained: “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 reassured the stakeholders that NITDA would provide standards and advisory support to relevant agencies to ensure the digitisation of civil registration processes is seamless and citizen-centric in Nigeria.

Inuwa as well stated that the IT regulatory agency would serve as “a key enabler” to the CRV digital transformation process in the West African country.

“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,” Inuwa said.

According to him, by aligning with the National Population Council’s broader agenda to modernise identity management and streamline service delivery, NITDA’s role will be instrumental in developing the digital infrastructure and governance frameworks required to support a unified CRVS platform, he noted.

Inuwa asserted: “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.”

NITDA said other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity & National Population, Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO, National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Director-General of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, ALGON President, Engr Bello Lawal, among many others.