Experts have said that the introduction of the National Geospatial Data Repository and the Digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System eCRVS will enhance birth and death records as well as Improve healthcare in Nigeria.
Launch Of the National Geospatial Data Repository, eCRVS and the Inauguration of the National digital system’s Coordination Committee by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, is expected to promote linkages between civil registration and the health sector to enhance coverage of birth and death records.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of National Population Commission NPC, Nasir Isa Kwarra, gave an insight into the system, noting that it is an electronic tool for vital services that would enhance the registration of civil events, especially birth and death records, to help build a better future for the nation.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammad Ali Pate asserted that Only 50% of the targeted key health outcomes is achievable through simple operation of health facilities with the rest by factors beyond health services delivery.
Ali Pate, noted that in addition to census, the eCRVS, complements the administrative records that government hold as major sources of population data, adding that it enables planning of programs interventions, and harnessing the demographic potential that the country has.
He opined that the Vital-REG which is expected to improve Census statistical data, will enhance geo-referenced analysis and spur value chain so that each Nigerian benefits from advancements in healthcare.
The Minister was of the view that the newly launched digital system would help track maternal mortality rates and the heath of children in terms of statistics, thereby ensuring adequate planning for better future.
On her part, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) country representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, while applauding the federal government for the initiative, called for the transformation of health facilities and community outreach programs into
registration points, which she noted would promote the registration of births and deaths in Nigeria.
Munduate who described the initiative as an affirmation of dignity and rights for every citizen, averred that the rights of Nigerian children, must be guaranteed from the onset with well-functioning CRVS system to safeguard it.
“We recognize the importance of integration and interoperability of the eCRVS system with other IT platforms within the government. To this end, we advocate for improved financial resources for civil registration at all levels of government, emphasizing the need for public financing to sustain and accelerate this crucial process.
“As we set forth on this ambitious journey to revolutionize the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems over the next seven years, we are cognizant of the profound impact this will have on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16.9.2 – a legal identity for all, including birth registration”, she said.
She pledged the Fund’s support to Nigeria’s efforts at building a sustainable civil registration and vital statistics system, while also assuring of its commitment to providing assistance in establishing the necessary requirements for the successful compilation and processing of vital data.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General, National Identity Management Commission NIMC, Bisoye Coker Odusote, said the activation of the eCRVS further strengthens the collaboration between NIMC and NPC in developing a comprehensive identity system that addresses the needs of all stakeholders.
Odusote said that the collaboration between both Commissions to build the robust national identity system will enhance security, drive financial inclusion and gender equality, as well as improve healthcare and strengthen the social safety net in Nigeria.
It’s a new dawn for Nigerians as the eCRVS and the National Geospatial Data Repository system seeks to improve collation of reliable data and statistics required for government’s policy formulation and planning.
