Nigeria Records 14 Million Births in Two Years as First Lady Hails UNICEF Partnership

Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria has registered 14 million births over the last two years, a milestone celebrated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its sustained support in strengthening the country’s civil registration systems.

The First Lady spoke on Friday while receiving Wafaa Elfadil Saeed Abdelatef and her delegation at the State House, Abuja, describing the achievement as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the identity and fundamental rights of every child.

Birth Registration: A Gateway to Healthcare and Education

Senator Tinubu emphasised that birth registration is a critical first step in accessing essential services, including healthcare, education, and social protections. She acknowledged UNICEF, development partners, and local coordinators for their role in advocating for birth registration across communities.

“The milestone recorded demonstrates the power of synergy between federal and state actors, development agencies, and community-based structures in addressing longstanding social challenges,” she said.

Broader Health Achievements Highlighted

Beyond birth registration, the First Lady lauded efforts to control HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, syphilis, hepatitis B, female genital mutilation (FGM), neglected tropical diseases, and vaccine-preventable illnesses, noting that expanded healthcare access, immunisation coverage, and public awareness campaigns have driven measurable progress.

While acknowledging these gains, Senator Tinubu called for intensified interventions to meet and surpass 2030 global targets for child protection and disease elimination.

“This commendation shows that when we work together with renewed determination, we can eliminate many of these diseases even before 2030,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in championing programmes for women and children.

Collaboration and Unity Remain Key

The First Lady urged continued collaboration across government levels and civil society, stressing that collective action is essential in building a healthier, more inclusive society. She concluded by invoking blessings on the nation and encouraging sustained efforts for the well-being of all Nigerians.