Lagos Unveils E-Birth Registration Initiative

The Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday launched the E-Birth registration initiative, a collaboration between the Lagos State Government, the National Population Commission (NPC), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The governor, who also inaugurated multiple projects in the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), facilitated by the council chairman. Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, innovation, and inclusive governance.

The projects commissioned by Governor Sanwo-Olu include the Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi Island Golden Court, which features two- and three-bedroom flats, as well as four-bedroom duplexes with balconies; the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Operational Base; and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Shopping Mall on Adeniji Adele Street.

Others included the Babajide Olusola Aduragbemi Sanwo-Olu Administrative Building, Modupeola House (Executive Building), Hon. Muftau Kadiku Multipurpose Hall, Hon. R.F. Balogun Legislative Building, Ban Hakeem Oladapo Siwa Customary Court, Alhaja Ogunbambi Abisogun Mosque, and the F.O.K. Sanya Chapel.

Emphasising the E-Birth initiative, Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the new digital registration system will ensure every child is assigned a National Identification Number (NIN) from birth, thereby strengthening data management and government planning.

“With the e-registration that has started now, children will have their NIN numbers from birth. We collect data from the start, and that is the way to go. Government can use it to plan, support development, and know where everyone resides,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

Speaking at the event, Folawiyo said each building symbolises not just infrastructure but also the legacy of prominent Lagosians whose service and leadership shaped the community.

He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on maintenance, accountability, and continued delivery of the dividends of democracy.

Folawiyo, who expressed gratitude to God and to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the opportunity to serve and for the State’s support to local governments, said the multiple projects initiated by his administration represent a renewed phase of impactful leadership and community growth.

Also speaking, the Head of UNICEF South-West Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, applauded Lagos State and the National Population Commission for embracing digital birth registration, noting that the innovation would help guarantee every child’s right to identity and access to essential services.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Lagos State Government in achieving universal birth registration through the deployment of the newly launched electronic birth registration (e-Birth) system, which aims to ensure that every child born in the State is visible and protected.

Lafoucriere also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for demonstrating genuine leadership and political will toward protecting children’s rights in the state.

She also praised Lagos State for leading the country with 94 per cent of children under five already registered. Still, she emphasised that more work needs to be done to reach children in informal settlements and underserved communities.