The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched a sensitization campaign across the 11 local government areas of Gombe State to promote birth and death registration.
Speaking to journalists in Gombe on Friday, Alhaji Abubakar Danburam, NPC’s Federal Commissioner for Gombe State, said the initiative aims to support government planning and development efforts.
So far, the awareness campaign has covered six out of the 11 local councils, including Akko, Yamaltu-Deba, Kwami, Funakaye, Balanga, and Nafada.
Danburam emphasized that birth and death registration is crucial for governance, security, and social development. He warned that children without birth certificates could face challenges in accessing essential services like education and healthcare in the future.
He also expressed concern over the low rate of death registration, highlighting its importance for public health planning and resource allocation.
“Without reliable death records, the government struggles to identify prevalent health issues and distribute resources effectively,” he stated.
To improve registration access, Danburam announced the establishment of 93 registration centers across the state. These centers are located in primary healthcare facilities, emir’s palaces, and the offices of village and district heads.
He further clarified that birth certificates are issued free of charge for individuals under 18, while attestation certificates for those above 18 cost N4,000.