Exploring the Factors Influencing Birth Registration in Nigeria

Birth registration is a fundamental right crucial for establishing citizenship and informing policy decisions, yetmany children in developing nations like Nigeria remain unregistered. This study investigates the determinantsof birth registration in Nigeria at both the individual and state levels. Analyzing data from 30,154 childrenunder five years from Nigeria’s 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), we find significant disparities inregistration rates across demographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as among Nigerian states. Multilevellogistic regression reveals associations between registration likelihood and variables such as child age,maternal education, household wealth, urban residency, and health care utilization. The findings underscorethe need for targeted interventions to ensure universal birth registration and safeguard children's rights.Recommendations in education and financial barriers, enhancing inter-agency collaborations, utilizing nativelanguage media for education, and implementing mobile registration offices and SMS-based reporting systemsto improve registration coverage and accessibility