By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a new electronic birth registration (E-Birth Registration) platform aimed at accelerating child registration, improving data accuracy, and ensuring that every child in Lagos is captured in government planning and social services.
The e-platform, which targets children aged zero to twelve, was unveiled at the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated nine developmental projects to mark the LCDA Chairman’s first 100 days in office.
UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Dennis Onoise, said the digital system is designed to overcome long-standing barriers to birth registration and support Lagos State in reaching its target of registering 545,000 children in 2025.
He noted the enormous benefits of birth registration to individuals, families and society, and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to partnering with government agencies to achieve universal coverage.
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support in strengthening identity systems.
She revealed that Lagos already records 94% birth registration among children under five, placing it among the best-performing states in Nigeria.
Despite this progress, she highlighted persistent challenges, including limited awareness among low-income families and parents in rural communities.
She pledged UNICEF’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind by conducting extensive training across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas.
Ms. Lafoucriere further outlined key strategies to improve birth registration, including:
integrating registration into immunisation visits and health campaigns, making birth certificates a mandatory requirement for school enrolment, ensuring adequate logistics and budget for registrars, strengthening citizen mobilisation through traditional and religious leaders, and expanding public awareness through the National Orientation Agency.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who formally launched the e-platform, praised the Lagos Island East LCDA Chairman, Mr. Muibi Folawiyo, for his leadership and for transforming the council into a model of infrastructure development and digital innovation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, inclusive governance, and the adoption of technology to improve public services.
Chairman Folawiyo, in his remarks, said each newly completed project represents not only physical development but also a tribute to notable Lagosians whose leadership helped shape the community.
He restated his administration’s commitment to maintenance, transparency, accountability, and continued delivery of the dividends of democracy.
The projects inaugurated by the Governor include:
Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi Island Golden Court, featuring two- and three-bedroom flats and four-bedroom duplexes with Boys Quarters; the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Operational Base; the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administrative Block; and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Shopping Mall on Adeniji Adele Street.
The combined launch of the E-Birth Registration platform and the unveiling of new infrastructure underscores Lagos State’s commitment to digital governance, child protection, and community-driven development, reaffirming its position as a leader in innovation and service delivery in Nigeria.
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