The National Population Commission (NPC) says has launched a sensitisation campaign across the 11 local government areas of Gombe State to encourage birth and death registration among the people.

Alhaji Abubakar Danburam, NPC’s Federal Commissioner in charge of Gombe State, told newsmen in Gombe on Friday that the aim was to help the government in adequate planning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation tour has so far covered six out of the 11 local councils, namely Akko, Yamaltu-Deba, Kwami, Funakaye, Balanga, and Nafada.

He told the residents that birth and death registrations were fundamental for governance, security, and social development.

He warned that children without birth certificates might face difficulties accessing essential services such as education and healthcare in the future.

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Danburam also decried the low rate of death registration, stressing that accurate mortality data were essential for effective public health planning and resource allocation.

“Without reliable death records, the government faces challenges in identifying prevalent health issues and allocating resources appropriately,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that 93 registration centres had been set up across the state, mostly in primary healthcare facilities, emir’s palaces, and village and district heads’ offices.

According to him, birth certificates are free for individuals under 18, while attestation certificates for those above 18 cost N4,000.