The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to championing digital identity and data integration as foundational pillars for effective national planning and inclusive governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Coordination Committee, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa stressed the urgency of digitising civil registration processes to support smarter, data-driven public administration.
Inuwa engaged key stakeholders including the National Population Commission (NPC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), underscoring the alignment of CRVS reform with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This agenda prioritises digital public infrastructure, improved service delivery, and evidence-based policy-making.
“The importance of civil registration and vital statistics cannot be overemphasised. It is foundational for making informed decisions across federal, state, and local levels of government,” Inuwa noted.
He called for harmonised data systems across government institutions, warning that fragmented platforms continue to hinder effective planning and service delivery. According to him, technology can bridge these gaps—from registering individuals at birth and assigning legal identities to linking that information to national planning and budgeting.
“Without harmonising our data, we cannot generate the insights needed for national development. Technology can help us stitch everything together,” he added.
The NITDA boss assured stakeholders that the agency would provide digital standards and advisory support to ensure the CRVS digitisation process is seamless, inclusive, and citizen-centric. He reiterated NITDA’s role as a key enabler of the digital transformation process, offering strategic guidance and infrastructure support.
“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 enabling the technology that will power seamless, integrated service delivery for all Nigerians,” he stated.
He further emphasised the need to modernise identity management systems in line with the National Population Council’s broader objective to streamline public service delivery.
“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,” Inuwa concluded.
The meeting was attended by prominent stakeholders including Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population; Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman, National Population Commission; Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS; Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of NIMC; and Engr. Bello Lawal, President of ALGON, among others.
