The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched an online self-service portal that allows Nigerians to apply for birth and death certificates from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical visits and lengthy paperwork. The platform, announced by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Tuesday, is part of the government's broader effort to modernize civil registration services across the country.
Key Features of the New Portal
The self-service portal enables users to register births and deaths, apply for birth attestation, correct civil registration records, and verify certificates online. According to the NOA, the system simplifies the entire process, making it more accessible to citizens nationwide. The agency stated, "Getting a birth or death certificate in Nigeria just got easier! You can also visit any NPC registration centre nationwide for assistance."
This digital initiative is expected to reduce the burden on physical registration centers, which have historically been overwhelmed with requests. The portal is designed to be user-friendly, guiding applicants through each step of the process.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Online
To apply for a birth certificate, applicants must access the NPC self-service portal and follow the instructions. The commission clarified that birth registration for children under five years remains free at all NPC registration centres. However, the online self-service birth registration attracts a processing fee of ₦5,000.
To qualify for the online application, the child must have been born in Nigeria, possess a National Identification Number (NIN), and have at least one Nigerian parent. Additionally, one parent must already have a valid birth certificate. This requirement ensures that the applicant's identity is verifiable through the national database.
The NPC noted that approved birth certificates can only be downloaded once. If an applicant needs another copy, they must apply for a certificate reprint through the portal. All payments made on the platform are non-refundable, so applicants are advised to double-check their information before submission.
Requirements for Death Registration
Death registration remains completely free of charge, as confirmed by the NPC. Applicants must provide the informant's National Identification Number. If the deceased did not have a NIN, the applicant must state the reason for its absence. This measure ensures the accuracy of records and helps prevent fraudulent registrations.
Other required information includes the deceased's personal details, place and cause of death, occupation, marital status, usual residence, literacy level, and whether a medical practitioner certified the death. Applicants must also select the registration state, local government area, and NPC registration centre before submitting the application.
Once the registration is successful, a confirmation email will be sent to the applicant. The commission advised Nigerians who need assistance to visit any NPC registration centre across the country for support.
Background: NIN Enrollment Statistics
This development comes as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) revealed that NIN enrollment has reached 127 million as of December 2025. Data from the commission's website shows that as of October 31, 2025, total NIN enrollment stood at 123.9 million, with Lagos State recording the highest number of registered individuals at over 13 million. Gender data from October 2025 indicates that over 54.2 million females and about 69.7 million males have been captured in the national identity database.
The integration of NIN into the birth and death registration process underscores the government's commitment to creating a unified digital identity system. This is expected to enhance the accuracy of civil records and facilitate easier access to government services.
Impact and Next Steps
The online portal is a significant step towards digital governance in Nigeria. It reduces the time and cost associated with obtaining certificates, which is particularly beneficial for those in remote areas. The NPC encourages all eligible citizens to take advantage of this service and contribute to the modernization of civil registration.
For further assistance, applicants can visit any NPC registration centre nationwide. The commission is also expected to roll out additional features in the coming months, including mobile app support and integration with other government databases.
