3.5 million children in Lagos and surrounding areas face the risk of losing access to government social services due to the lack of birth certificates, according to a warning from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Celine Lafoucriere, chief of the Lagos field office, highlighted the issue during a recent assessment of the region’s child welfare infrastructure. The concern centers on the inability of many families to obtain official documentation, which is required for enrollment in public programs and access to essential services.
The problem is particularly acute in the Southwest and Edo states, where birth registration rates remain alarmingly low. Without proper documentation, children are vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion from critical support systems. UNICEF has called for urgent action to improve birth registration processes and expand outreach to underserved communities.
The agency is working with local authorities to develop strategies that make registration more accessible, especially for marginalized groups. However, progress remains slow, and the situation continues to threaten the well-being of millions of children. (businessday.ng)
