Nigeria NPC Cracks Down on Fake Birth Certificates Issued Before E-CRVS

• The National Population Commission (NPC) has ended manual birth registration in Nigeria, moving to an electronic platform.
• Certificates issued outside the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) platform will no longer be recognized by authorities.
• Lawyers advise clients to verify the authenticity of birth certificates issued before July, as they may not be valid under the new system.
• The E-CRVS platform aims to modernize Nigeria's civil registration system, but raises concerns about the legitimacy of pre-existing certificates.

Certificates issued outside this new electronic platform will no longer be recognized by authorities.

The National Population Commission (NPC) has brought an end to the manual registration of births and deaths across Nigeria. This move is part of the country's transition to a digital system, with the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) platform now operational since July 1, 2026. The NPC has warned that certificates issued outside this new electronic platform will no longer be recognized by authorities. This change affects all birth and death certificates issued before the E-CRVS platform became active.

The Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) digital platform is a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria's civil registration system. The NPC has been working to digitize birth and death records, making it easier for citizens to access essential documents. However, this shift also raises concerns about the authenticity of certificates issued before the E-CRVS platform became operational. As authorities will no longer recognize these certificates, individuals who possess them may face difficulties in accessing government services or proving their identity.

The discontinuation of manual birth registration and the introduction of the E-CRVS platform have significant implications for Nigerians. Lawyers are advising clients to verify the authenticity of birth certificates issued before July, as those not registered on the E-CRVS platform may no longer be recognized by authorities. This highlights the importance of ensuring that all essential documents, particularly birth certificates, are obtained through legitimate means and are compliant with the new digital system. The NPC's warning serves as a reminder to citizens to be cautious when dealing with official documents and to take necessary steps to verify their authenticity.

Lawyers should advise clients to verify the authenticity of birth certificates issued before July, as those not registered on the E-CRVS platform may no longer be recognized by authorities.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard News