UNICEF: Nearly 60% of Nigerian children now registered at birth

In a recent joint report by UNICEF and the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, it was revealed that nearly 60 percent of Nigerian children are now registered at birth with civil authorities, showing a significant improvement from 47 percent in 2016. This report also brought to light the reduction in child marriage from 44 percent to 30 percent in the country. Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, shed light on the findings of the report in an interview with CNBC Africa. The multi-integrated cluster survey 2021, the sixth of its kind in Nigeria, provided comprehensive data on over 200 indicators across various sectors including health, education, child protection, and behavioral patterns. It showcased the progress and disparities in different regions and states in the country, offering valuable insights for policy implementation and development. One of the standout improvements noted in the report was the increase in immunization coverage for children aged 1 to 3, rising from 34 percent in 2016 to 57 percent in 2021, especially noteworthy given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While celebrating these advancements, Hawkins highlighted the importance of addressing regional and state-level disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and enhanced governance at the grassroots level. Notably, the report also underscored the prevalence of open defecation, revealing significant variations in different states with rates as low as 2% in Lagos to as high as 53% in Kogi. Hawkins emphasized the urgency of addressing such disparities and working closely with state governments and local communities to drive positive change. The survey's evolution over the years has reflected changing data needs and a growing focus on behavioral indicators such as violent discipline, which has seen an increase from 85% to 90%. This shift towards holistic assessments and behavioral interventions signals a proactive approach towards improving human development indicators and fostering sustainable change. However, the challenge of changing deeply rooted cultural practices and mindsets remains a critical aspect of the development process. With Nigeria's diverse cultural landscape and varied traditions, initiatives aimed at promoting positive behavior change require sustained awareness, education, and community engagement. Hawkins stressed the necessity of bottom-up accountability and community-driven solutions to effectively address cultural barriers and improve service delivery. In light of the staggering child mortality rate in Nigeria, with 2,350 children under the age of five dying each day from preventable diseases, the importance of promoting immunization, nutrition, and other essential services cannot be overstated. The report's findings serve as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead, calling for concerted efforts and collaboration at all levels to ensure the well-being and future prospects of Nigerian children.