40% Of Nigerian Children Not Registered At Birth – Report

Nigeria’s 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and National Immunisation Coverage Survey (NICS) report has revealed that nearly 60 percent of Nigerian children are now registered at birth with civil authorities, compared to 47 per cent in 2016.

This means that a gap of about 40 per cent still exist even though the country has made some progress.

The report which was launched by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday also showed that Nigeria has made progress in some other sectors as child marriage (women married before age 18) has reduced from 44 percent to 30 per cent since 2016. Child mortality rate from 1 in 8 children dying before their fifth birthday (MICS 2016) to 1 in 10 children (MICS 2021) while exclusive breastfeeding rate has increased from 24 percent to 34 per cent.

UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said Nigeria still has a long way to go towards ensuring the well-being of children in the country.

“Data is critical for effective budgeting and decision making – and the data from these surveys together paint a picture of the situation for children and families in Nigeria.

“The picture is a mixed one. While there has been some good progress, and we should celebrate that we still have a long way to go to towards ensuring the well-being of children in Nigeria.,

“The findings of this survey will help guide the federal and state governments as they plan their budgets, providing evidence for where more support and funds need to be wisely allocated and utilised,” said Hawkins.

The multiple indicator cluster survey is a household survey developed by UNICEF to assist countries in filling data gaps for monitoring human development indicators in general and the situation of children and women, in particular.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) implemented MICS which provides data on child mortality, health, nutrition, education, child and social protection, women’s health care and empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene, while NICS assesses vaccination coverage provided through the health systems.

“The 2021 Nigeria MICS-NICS report provides evidence-based data for all key stakeholders to prioritise quality services for children and women with higher efficiency and effectiveness. The information collated will inform policies aimed at social inclusion of the most vulnerable population, help identify disparities, and allow for international comparability,” said statistician-general of the federation, National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran.

“As we build back better from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MICS-NICS survey provides evidence to shape interventions and focus resources in a way that helps children and their families reach their full potential. Using the data to monitor progress towards our collective commitments to children and families, and inform future action is critical if we must leave no one behind,” he added.