Why NPC Still Charges For Birth Certificate – Officials

The National Population Commission has explained why it still charges Nigerians for the collection of birth certificates despite a resolution by lawmakers that the document should be free.

The agency says it is yet to receive a formal communication on the resolution by the lawmakers.

The House of Representatives had last year, declared as illegal, payment of money to the commission to obtain birth certificates for newborn babies.

The House resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance brought to the floor by Nkiru Onyejeocha (Abia, APC).

The lawmakers had unanimously resolved to direct the NPC to return to its mandate of registering births and deaths in Nigeria at no cost to citizens as provided by law.

Naija News gathered that in some government hospitals, N500 is charged for babies under two months, while for those from two months to 17 years, it is N4,000.

Furthermore, individuals above 18 years need to go to the head office of the NPC with a declaration of age affidavit and passport photographs.

However, the Director, Public Affairs at the National Population Commission, Muhammed Isah who spoke to Premium Times on phone, said the agency is yet to receive any official communication from the National Assembly.

He said once there is an official communication, the agency would surely comply.

“We are waiting for a letter to be transmitted officially. That is how government works,” he said.

“In the letter, it will be written in detail what is to be done and what not to do. We are ready to abide by it,” Mr Isah said.