How to Obtain a Birth Certificate in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide

A birth certificate is a critical legal document that proves a person's identity, place of birth, and age. In Nigeria, obtaining a birth certificate is essential for various purposes, including school enrollment, passport application, immigration and legal identification. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a birth certificate in Nigeria, whether for a newborn or an adult who has never had one. However, a person who turned adult (above 17 years) without having a birth certificate already can only obtain attestation of birth certification, which has the same legal effect as the birth certificate.

Issuing Authority

In Nigeria, the National Population Commission (NPC) is the primary authority responsible for registering births and issuing birth certificates. Hospitals, local government areas (LGAs), and health centres also participate in the initial registration process. However, only the NPC-issued birth certificate is recognized for official purposes.

?

Legal Framework

The legal framework governing birth registration in Nigeria includes:

-?????? Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, Cap 41, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990: This act mandates the registration of all births and deaths in Nigeria.

-?????? National Population Commission Act, 1992: The Act establishes the NPC and outlines its functions, including registering births and deaths.

?

Steps to Obtain a Birth Certificate for a Newborn?

1. Birth Registration at the Hospital

·????? Immediate Registration: When a child is born in a hospital or any health facility, the birth is usually registered immediately. The hospital will issue a birth notification form, which includes the details of the child and parents.

?

·????? Required Information: Ensure that all necessary details are correctly filled in, including the child's name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' details.

?

2. Registration at the National Population Commission (NPC)

• Visit the NPC Office: Within 60 days of birth, the parents or guardians should take the birth notification form or hospital-issued birth certificate to the nearest NPC office or designated registration center. The application can also be processed online at the NPC portal
• Documentation: Present the birth notification form or certificate issued by the hospital. You might also need to provide valid identification for both parents.
• Issuance of the Certificate: The NPC will process the registration and issue a birth certificate free of charge if the registration is done within 60 days of birth. After this period, the process might attract a fee.

?

Steps to Obtain an Attestation of Birth Certificate for Adults

1. Affidavit of Age Declaration

?

·????? Sworn Affidavit: Adults who do not have a birth certificate must first obtain an affidavit of age declaration from a court of law. This affidavit serves as a preliminary proof of age and identity.

?

·????? Required Information: The affidavit should include the person's name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' details.

?

2. Submission to the National Population Commission

·????? Visit the NPC Office: Take the sworn affidavit, valid identification documents, and photograph passports to the nearest NPC office. You will be required to also provide details such as your parents’ names & date of birth and the state of origin.

· Processing and Issuance: The NPC will review the documents and, if satisfied, will process the registration and issue an attestation of the birth certificate.

?

Online Processing

The NPC has initiated efforts to streamline birth registration through digital means. To register online, visit the NPC's official website and follow the instructions provided. This process typically involves filling out an online form, uploading necessary documents, and make pay the official application fee online. If the applicant has a National Identification Number (NIN), it can be used for a verification online, and the applicant will simply download the electronic certificate.

?

Important Tips:

• Where a birth certificate or attestation of birth certificate will be used abroad, it may require authentication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalization at the embassy.
• Some embassies may insist that the certificate will be issued at the state where the applicant is born before the certificate can be legalized.

?

Obtaining a birth certificate in Nigeria is a crucial step for establishing a legal identity and accessing various services and opportunities. The process, while straightforward, requires timely action and proper documentation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, parents and guardians can ensure that their children's births are registered promptly, and adults without birth certificates can rectify their status. Understanding and navigating the birth registration process empowers individuals and strengthens the nation’s ability to plan and provide for its citizens.

?

By Resolution Law Firm

Email: [email protected]

Tel/WhatsApp: +2348099223322