Millions of Nigerian children without birth certificates risk permanent exclusion from healthcare, education, and social protection programs, UNICEF has warned. The agency highlights that birth registration is a fundamental right and a prerequisite for accessing essential services. Without official documentation, children remain invisible to government systems, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and lifelong disadvantage. The warning comes as Nigeria struggles with low birth registration rates, particularly in rural and conflict affected regions.
UNICEF has issued an urgent warning about the plight of millions of Nigerian children who lack birth certificates. These children face systemic exclusion from essential public services, including healthcare, education, and social protection programs. Birth registration is not just a bureaucratic formality but a fundamental human right that enables children to access opportunities and protections throughout their lives.
In Nigeria, birth registration rates remain alarmingly low. According to UNICEF, nearly 30% of children under five lack official birth records. The problem is most acute in rural areas and regions affected by conflict, where access to registration centers is limited. Children without birth certificates are effectively invisible to government systems, making it difficult for authorities to plan and allocate resources for their needs.
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