The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has released updated guidelines regarding the modification of date of birth, stipulating that such changes are permissible only once in a lifetime. Importantly, the commission emphasizes that its authorized agents are strictly prohibited from facilitating any modifications, including alterations to the date of birth.
The recently issued guidelines, made public through the official X handle of the commission on Sunday, December 24, 2023, specify that applicants must now possess an electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (e-CRVS) certificate from the National Population Commission (NPC).
The commission added that copies of other valid documents, such as identification and an application letter for modification, will now be addressed to the DG/CEO, NIMC.
Meanwhile, certain Nigerians aiming to amend their date of birth within the NIN database have voiced apprehension, expressing concern that the new guidelines might exacerbate delays in the modification process at NIMC. There have also been allegations of extortion and intentional delays at the NIMC centres.
The newly appointed Director-General, Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has nevertheless affirmed her commitment to eradicating all forms of unethical practices within the Commission. Additionally, she recently disclosed that the Commission has successfully cleared a backlog of over 2.5 million modifications to the National Identification Number (NIN).
e-CRVS
President Bola Tinubu launched the National Population Commission’s e-CRVS platform last month. The platform digitalizes civil documents, including birth and stillbirth registration, birth attestation, adoption, marriage notification, divorce notification, migration, and death.
According to the Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Kwarra, the e-CRVS was part of Nigeria’s way of complying with the resolutions of the African Ministers Conference held in 2022 and scaling up the automated process in Nigeria.
He added that the system provides a digital certificate in all cases, an accessible verification platform for registered organizations, and a central management system (dashboard) that depicts and analyses collated civil registrations into vital statistics for proper decision-making.
According to the chairman, the current process being implemented is a significant departure from the conventional method of recording crucial events using paper-based systems. Instead, the NPC has opted to utilize state-of-the-art digital solutions that adhere to the highest international standards.
He added that the eCRVS system is expected to revolutionize how vital events are recorded, tracked, and analyzed, noting that the system would improve accuracy and better data management.
VON