The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital identity and integrated data systems as critical tools for effective national planning and inclusive governance.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Coordination Committee held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the agency’s role in driving the digital transformation of civil registration processes across Nigeria.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the National Population Commission (NPC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as part of efforts to align CRVS reform with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The importance of civil registration and vital statistics cannot be overemphasised. It is foundational for making informed and insightful decisions at every level of government,” Inuwa stated.
He underscored the need for harmonised digital systems across institutions to enable real-time insights, smart planning, and responsive governance.
“From registering people at birth, giving them legal identity, and linking that information to national planning and budgeting, technology can help us stitch everything together. Without harmonising our data, we cannot generate the insight we need for national development,” he added.
Inuwa assured that NITDA would provide standards and advisory support to relevant agencies to ensure a seamless, citizen-centric digital transition of CRVS processes.
“At NITDA, our vision is to ensure that the right standards and digital advisory services are in place. We are committed to supporting this committee by enabling the technology that will power seamless, integrated service delivery for all Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that NITDA’s role is key in supporting the modernisation agenda of identity management and data integration to deliver a unified, digital-first CRVS platform.
“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.
Dignitaries at the event included Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity & National Population; Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman, NPC; Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician General of the Federation and CEO, NBS; Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, DG, NIMC; and Engr. Bello Lawal, ALGON President, among others.
