How do you go about getting a birth certificate in Nigeria? We will walk you through every single step of the way. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to get a birth certificate in Nigeria, from understanding the cost and requirements to getting your certified copy.
Getting your birth certificate doesn’t need to be something you fear or stress over. All it takes is a bit of planning, so let’s get started!
How to get Birth Certificate In Nigeria (Cost & Procedures) 2023
A birth certificate is an official document that validates the fact of a person’s birth and provides evidence of identity. It is issued by the National Population Commission in Nigeria and serves as a crucial record that establishes one’s identity, nationality, and age. It also serves as proof of legal registration with the government and is necessary to access other official documents such as passports and school records.
By obtaining a birth certificate, you will be able to prove your age for activities such as registering for school, enrolling in college, or applying for a driver’s license. It is also required for most job applications.
The Nigeria Birth Certificate not only tells someone when they were born but also identifies their parents, which ensures that a person can claim inheritance rights in case their parents pass away.
Cost & Fees to Obtain Birth Certificate
You’re probably curious about the cost & fees to obtain a Birth Certificate in Nigeria. Here’s what you need to know:
In Nigeria, the cost to obtain a birth certificate is approximately N2500.00. Service costs and certificate fees are included in this.
Application Procedure for the Nigeria Birth Certificate
So, now you know what’s necessary to obtain a birth certificate in Nigeria. The next step is learning about the application procedure for the Nigeria birth certificate.
The Nigeria Population Commission is authorized to access information, receive applications from individuals requesting birth certificates, and then deliver the birth certificate to the applicant after conducting a proper assessment of the supporting documentation.
In addition to the NPC office, the birth certificate is also issued in hospitals, local government offices, and NPC branch offices.
Step 1: Collect & Fill Data Form
You must contact any regional office of the National Population Commission to fill out the data form for either attestation of the birth certificate or a birth certificate. This is applicable to those born after 1992 who seek to obtain a birth certificate as well as to those born prior to 1992 who wish to obtain an attestation.
Step 2: Present Valid Documents
A birth certificate application must be accompanied by a few documents after the application form has been completed. Hence, the accompanying paperwork will be enclosed with the data form:
- An affidavit sworn to at the High Court of the state by the applicant.
- Passport photograph of the applicant, if in the case of a proxy, then passport photograph of the proxy
- A copy of valid means of identification in the case of a proxy, either a national passport or national identity number.
Step 3: Wait For Documents To Be Verified
The National Population Commission will examine all supplied copies of the relevant documents before processing the application.
If you want someone to complete the application for you, you can do so using a proxy. If the application is being conducted on behalf of the person who has the birth certificate, a proxy form must be completed by the person making the application.
Once you’ve got your Nigeria Birth Certificate in hand, it’s important that it be verified for accuracy before submitting for any official documentation. This means checking that all of the information is correct, such as your name, date of birth, and parent’s names. You’ll also want to make sure that all of the spelling is accurate and that there are no typos or errors.
It’s worth double-checking that everything looks good before submitting things like visa applications or job applications; making sure that everything looks good today might save you a lot of headaches down the line!
Different Ways of Getting a Birth Certificate in Nigeria
There are various ways to obtain a birth certificate in Nigeria, depending on the timing and location of the birth. A person born inside a medical facility will use a different procedure than a person born outside one.
How to get a Birth Certificate in Nigeria for a Child Born in the Hospital or Other Medical Institution
If your child was born in a hospital or other medical institution, getting a birth certificate is easy; all you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions!
After giving birth to your child in the hospital, the hospital would issue proof of birth.
- This birth report would be taken to any nearby centre for the National Population Commission in Nigeria. In some cases, it can be taken to the local government headquarters.
- Upon reaching the registration centre, you would have to issue the proof of birth given to you by the hospital or health centre.
How to Get a Birth Certificate in Nigeria for a Child Born Outside the Hospital
Getting a birth certificate in Nigeria for a child born outside the hospital is quite easy. Here’s what you need to do:
- If a child was born outside of a hospital, health center, or medical facility at home. Maybe at a church or somewhere else, you must follow these procedures:
- You will obtain an affidavit from the Local Government Authority where the person was born. This will act as the birth certificate proof. After that, you should take the affidavit serving as birth documentation to the NPC registration center located at the local government’s administrative center.
- You will hand the affidavit to the registration officer when you arrive at the registration office. The child is subsequently given a birth certificate or certificate of registration.
How to Get a Birth Certificate in Nigeria for a Person Under the Age of 18
Getting a birth certificate for a person under the age of 18 in Nigeria can be a bit tricky, but this guide will help you navigate the process.
This is for someone who, more than likely, did not get a birth certificate or whose birth certificate cannot be found. It may also apply to someone whose name has changed in some circumstances.
Anybody under the age of eighteen can obtain a birth certificate from the National Population Commission. You must go to the National Population Commission, which is housed in the State Local Government Secretariat. You will be handed a form to fill out for your birth certificate when you arrive at the NPC office.
The form has a certain price. Before a birth certificate can be issued, you will typically need to get an Age Declaration Affidavit from a court. A parent must be present for minors under the age of 18 in order to get an Age Declaration Affidavit. You can request a birth certificate by submitting the Age Declaration Affidavit to the NPC office.
All that is provided for those over the age of 18 is an attestation letter. The attestation letter is a record provided to support the Age Declaration Affidavit, which has been sworn.
How To Obtain a Declaration of Age in Nigeria
You can obtain an Age Declaration certificate by swearing to an affidavit in a Nigerian High Court, which also serves as a replacement for a missing birth certificate. The next step is to explain the situation and include a family member, who could be your father, mother, or close sibling. A courtroom setting and under oath are used for the sworn affidavits and declarations of age.
The applicants at the High court that has jurisdiction within the state where the attestation is being conducted make the sworn age declaration affidavits. A passport photo, a photocopy of the birth certificate, or another form of proof of birth should be available. Your mother or father will swear to an affidavit stating the date of your birth if there is no birth proof.
Cost & Fees to Obtain A Declaration Of Age In Nigeria
In Nigeria, an Age Declaration costs N200.00; however, additional service fees for processing the document may cost N1000.00 in most courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may still have some questions about getting a birth certificate in Nigeria. Don’t worry; let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Is it compulsory to have a birth certificate in Nigeria?
Yes, it is compulsory for all citizens of Nigeria to possess a valid birth certificate as per the Nigerian Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and other relevant legislation. The birth certificate is required for the issuance of national identity cards and passports, as well as for financial transactions such as opening a bank account.
What information is needed to request a birth certificate?
The information required to request a birth certificate may vary depending on the state you are in; however, there are some common details that are required regardless of location. These include the full name and address of parents or guardians, date and place of birth (town and hospital/location where baby was born), as well as gender, religion, and nationality/tribe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a Birth Certificate in Nigeria can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information, it can be done easily. First, you need to determine if you are eligible for a birth certificate in Nigeria. Then, you will need to compile the required documents and fill out the application forms. Once your application is approved and payment is made, you will receive your Birth Certificate. Be sure to keep your Birth Certificate safe and easily accessible, as it is often necessary for important documents like passports and visas. With the right guidance and a few simple steps, you can obtain your Birth Certificate in Nigeria with ease.