The National Population Commission (NPC) says targeted birth registration efforts have reached more than 14.5 million children across Nigeria. The organisations said states including Bayelsa, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara were strengthening linkages between health facilities and community registration services. The organisations said birth registration provided a child’s first legal recognition by the state and laid the foundation for access to healthcare, education and social protection. The organisations said local governments remained critical to expanding registration services and creating awareness at the community level. “Birth registration is far more than a certificate.