Zulaiha Danjuma

The National Population Commission (NPC) E-birth registration service was launched to allow Nigerians to register children at birth and receive a birth certificate online.

KANO FOCUS reports, with the support of UNICEF, this digital platform aims to provide a secure and accessible digital identity for every Nigerian child.

This is to enhance service delivery and establish a centralized identity data hub, accessible to healthcare, financial, and security agencies nationwide.

Since November 2024, over 933,859 digital birth registration have been recorded in Kano state, according to Alhaji Ismaila Al-Hassan Dogo, State Director of the NPC.

According to UNICEF, the digital birth registration platform has revolutionized the traditional registration process, doing away with tedious paper-based applications. This innovative platform has streamlined birth registration, eliminating double entries and ensuring a seamless, integrated experience.

The platform targets capturing all unregistered children in the 44 local government areas of Kano state and integrating them into the state’s database, NPC State Director, Al-Hassan Dogo said.

According to UNICEF, the new e-birth registration system would automatically generate and secure a National Identity Number (NIN) for every child registered.

UNICEF also said, registering children on the e-birth platform paves the way for a smoother future. With a digital birth certificate, kids can breeze through school enrollment, visa applications, and even international passport requests – setting them up for success from the very start.

So far, the NPC has said that Kano state has the highest number of e-birth registration in the entire country

But a recent visit to the Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital in Kano revealed a concerning lack of awareness about the National Population Commission’s (NPC) free E-birth registration for newborns among some new mothers.

 Low Awareness about e-birth Platform 

Many new mothers remain unaware of the e-birth platform and the services available to them.

Fatima Awwal Habib, a mother of four, expressed her surprise at learning about the service. “I have never heard of any such E-birth registration process for birth certificates,” she said.

Another mother, Safiya Ahmad, also confessed to being unaware of the digitalized birth registration process. “I am not aware of such,” she said, adding that the only birth certificate she had for her children was the one issued by the hospital.

New mothers Zainab Sale and Hafsat Isa were also surprised to learn about the free E-birth registration service. Ms. Zainab, who had just given birth to her son a week ago, said, “I am hearing this from you now, I don’t know if any birth certificate is supposed to be given to my son at the hospital, let alone me registering him for a national one through an online platform.”

Ms. Hafsat, while breastfeeding her few days old child, said, “I kept quiet earlier because this is very new information to me, I had never heard of a national free E-birth registration before today.”

But low digital literacy levels among many new mothers also poses a significant challenge to the e-birth service’s usability.

“A lot of people are not tech-savvy to use a website that requires a payment,” Bello Sani, a renowned Software Engineer and tech industry expert, who founded Tenet Technology, explained.

“Most people can go to a site to fill out forms and submit, but payment systems are still a struggle for a large number of the population. Many have to go to an internet center to be able to successfully access such service.”

This lack of awareness and limited literacy levels threaten to undermine the effectiveness of the NPC’s E-birth registration initiative. As Bello Sani noted, “This in itself will exclude people in rural areas completely, because issues of social and financial inclusion are still a problem.”

Processing fees

Accessing the digital platform and it’s services is supposed to be free for children under five years of age. But parents are required to enter a payment reference number when initiating the registration process.

The NPC’s public statement says registration is supposed to be free for children under five and costs N2,000 for those above five, the platform’s user interface tells a different story.

A closer examination of the e-birth portal reveals that a fee of ₦2,030 is actually charged for registering any child, regardless of age.

This glaring inconsistency raises questions whether the E-birth registration is truly free for Nigerian children under 5.

This is particularly concerning, as Nigerians who need this service the most, are those financially vulnerable and unable often to afford the fee.

“When the public have an impression that a government service is going to be free but it turns out to have a hidden charge it makes the public lose trust in the entire system” Bello said.

“This is a financial exclusion tactic in a way because the website is public and not a business website, which usually has its target audience, this is a government website.

The added charge makes it that people who can’t afford the service fee would not be able to use the service, hence are excluded” he added

As the NPC’s e-birth registration initiative holds great promise for Nigeria’s future, it’s imperative that the commission prioritizes widespread awareness and reviews the payment clause to ensure inclusivity. Collaboration with stakeholders is crucial to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of this game-changing initiative.

This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus online Newspaper. 

Zulaiha Danjuma

Hara, a healthcare worker in Kano, fell victim to a sophisticated scam on TikTok. 

KANO FOCUS reports that, a scammer, posing as a married woman based in the US, with Saudi Arabian heritage, gained Hara’s trust.

“I was so excited when she sent me a message,” Hara recalled. “She seemed so kind and genuine, and we started talking about our shared interests. I didn’t think twice about trusting her.”

The scammer sent Hara a photo of a laptop, claiming she would send it to her, along with £9,000. Hara was convinced and sent N75,000 to a microfinance bank account to cover supposed shipping costs.

“I felt like I had won the lottery,” Hara said. “I couldn’t wait to receive the laptop and the money.”

However, when Hara realized she had been scammed, she felt devastated.

“I couldn’t sleep for days, thinking about how I had been so foolish,” she said. “I felt ashamed and anxious, wondering how I would pay my bills or provide for my family.”

This scamming technique is known as “Advanced Fee Fraud,” a situation where scammers request money from their victims before an item or goods is delivered to them or service rendered to them.

The prevalence of advanced fee fraud in Kano is alarming, with many cases going unreported.

Notable cases of advanced fee fraud scammers in Kano include Musa Lurwanu-Maje and Aliyu Hussaini.

Musa Lurwanu-Maje’s modus operandi involved creating fake personas on Facebook and WhatsApp, stealing pictures from random social media users and claiming them as his own.

By using these fake profiles, he deceived unsuspecting individuals, ultimately defrauding them.

Another notable example is the case of Aliyu Hussaini, who posed as a textile seller on Facebook.

He deceived a woman who ordered 14 textiles worth N100,000. Instead of delivering the ordered items, Hussaini sent her rags, defrauding her of her money.

In 2023, the Economic Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned a couple for a N410 million advanced fee fraud in Kano state. This high-profile case highlights the growing concern of advanced fee fraud in the region.

How the Police Force is fighting cyber fraud?

The Kano State Police Command has made numerous arrests of such social media related advanced fee fraud cases but wants to take its fight a notch higher.It is leveraging the federal police force’s digital platform that helps to report such crimes for swift action.

The Nigerian Police Force has a dedicated website specifically for reporting fraud and cybercrime.

The website offers users the ability to report online or social media fraud to the police force from the comfort of their phones and electronic devices.

The website is www.specialfraudunit.org.ng is managed by the NPF under its Special Fraud Unit and offers an essential information database for the police to combat cybercrime.

Various security agencies across Nigeria leverage on the information provided by this dedicated website to track perpetrators and support victims.

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said the outfit is happy with the support it is getting from the said digital portal.

SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa

He said in combating social media advanced fee fraud the police Anti-cyber crime and the anti-money laundering units at the Kano State Bompai Police Headquarters are working closely.

“These offices are enabled with modern equipments for policing activities to combat various issues of cybercrimes” he said

SP Kiyawa said aside intelligence gathering and sharing the officers of the Kano State Command Anti-cyber crime units are constantly receiving specialized training, especially in checkmating and investigating social media and internet related fraud.

“We have constant training at divisional levels, command level as well as in the commands department of criminal investigations. We also have an upcoming training on Artificial intelligence (AI) for officers in order for them to understand the emerging technologies and how to best navigate financial internet fraudsters and their schemes” he explained

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer added that the command has dedicated hotlines where the public can call in to report social media fraud.

“We leverage social media a lot, we also have engagements with social media influencers who assist the command to trickle down the message for the need of online safety, detection of misinformation, disinformation, Mal information and fake news that can all possibly lead to fraud”

These efforts have yielded a number of public outcry about fraudulent individuals on their social media interactions that resulted in several arrests by the Kano State Police Command.

The Role of digital verification systems

A Financial Crimes and Data science expert, Dr. Umar Yakubu explained further that incorporating biometrics and the use of blockchain on emerging technologies will minimize the occurrence of financial crimes.

Dr. Umar Yakubu

“Biometrics is a great tool that aids security, with the world now moving away from biometric fingerprints to facial and iris biometrics, these are some of the great tools that can be adopted to enhance data security and identity verification.”

“Blockchains are also great tools as they help to enhance transparency thereby tracking transactions and verifying identities too.”

If only Hara had been aware that the photo on the TikTok account, supposedly belonging to a US-based Saudi Arabian woman, was actually a stolen image used by a scammer, she might have avoided the devastating experience of being defrauded.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has become a crucial tool in combating financial fraud. Its reliable identity verification and transaction monitoring capabilities provide a secure foundation for online interactions, ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for individuals to engage in financial and social activities.

Engaging social media companies in the fight

According to Dr. Umar Yakubu, social media companies must do more to help fight social media fraud.

“Social media platforms say if someone is below 16 or 18 they can’t sign into their platforms, but in reality, even 10-year-old children are able to open accounts,” Dr. Yakubu said. “This happens because these platforms do not demand proper identification.”

The ability to set up social media accounts without using personal pictures or a real name are among the issues which drive advanced fee fraud on social media, Dr. Yakubu explained.

“Social media offers people the ability to be anonymous, whereby they are able to generate other people’s pictures, use fake names or other people’s names to create fake accounts while posing as those individuals they don’t even know, which makes social media a hotspot for fraudsters.”

To mitigate these issues, Dr. Yakubu explains that the current structure, which is to simply fine social media platforms in cases where their platforms were used for financial fraud, is not enough.

“The penalties these platforms pay are nothing compared to the amount of money they make, so at the end of the day, the penalties are not deterrents enough for them to ensure that people do not have social media accounts until we put up the right and correct identity,” Dr. Yakubu said.

This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus online Newspaper.

Kano Livestock Fattening Scheme: A Game-Changer for Rural Empowerment Amid Criticism

Mischievous Criticism of a Life-Saving Initiative

By Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

The Kano State Government has countered unfounded criticisms of its livestock fattening and goat reproduction scheme, which is a key component of the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Programme (KSADP).

These attacks, aimed at undermining a life-changing initiative, have been described by the government as mischievous attempts to misinform the public and derail efforts to empower rural communities.

The criticisms particularly targeted the recent distribution of goats to female farmers, an initiative designed to support animal husbandry, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security in Kano State.

Significance of the Livestock Fattening Scheme

The KSADP program, launched in 2019, is a $95 million project funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and the Kano State Government.

Its overarching aim is to reduce poverty by 30% among beneficiaries and improve nutrition by boosting meat production in Kano State.

The program is built on three core components:

1. Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Production Enhancement – Aimed at increasing meat and livestock productivity.

2. Market Access and Value Addition – To improve the economic potential of agricultural products.

3. Project Coordination and Management – Ensuring seamless implementation and impact.

The Agro-Pastoral Productivity Enhancement component has been particularly impactful.

Livestock farmers participating in the scheme have seen significant improvements in meat yield, with bulls producing an additional 100kg of beef and rams contributing an additional 15kg of meat after a 120-day fattening period.

Similarly, goats under the reproduction scheme are expected to yield at least two kids within six to twelve months, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers.

Impact on Meat Production and Livelihoods

The livestock fattening initiative is a lifeline for thousands of rural families.

By increasing beef, mutton, and goat meat production, the program is addressing the twin challenges of poverty and malnutrition.

At the end of every fattening cycle, the program is expected to yield 6,000 metric tons of additional beef and mutton, significantly contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Kano State.

Sustaining the Program Under Governor Abba Yusuf

Recognizing the importance of continuity, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has prioritized the KSADP scheme as a key part of his administration’s agenda.

Building on the foundation laid by the previous administration, the Governor approved the continuation of livestock distribution, ensuring that rural communities continue to benefit from this transformative initiative.

To maintain transparency and fairness, Governor Yusuf directed that community representatives, under the Community Reorientation Committee (CRC), be actively involved in selecting beneficiaries.

This approach has not only strengthened public trust but also ensured that the program reaches those who need it most.

Recent Milestones in Livestock Distribution

Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, the KSADP initiative has seen remarkable progress:

First Cycle (Second Phase):

Conducted in August 2023, where thousands of goats and rams were distributed to women across all 44 local government areas.

Second Cycle (First Phase):

Launched recently, distributing over 7,000 goats to more than 2,000 women.

The program has also outlined future plans for subsequent phases of the second cycle.

These include the distribution of rams to male and female youth, as well as bulls exclusively to young men for fattening purposes.

Economic and Nutritional Benefits of the Scheme

The livestock fattening program is more than just a distribution exercise—it represents a holistic approach to rural development.

By providing women and youth with livestock, the program is fostering financial independence, creating generational occupations, and addressing food insecurity.

With a significant portion of Kano’s population engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, the initiative is enhancing rural incomes and diversifying economic opportunities.

The availability of protein-rich meat, such as beef, mutton, and goat meat, is improving household nutrition, particularly in underserved communities.

Kano’s Leadership in Livestock Farming

Data from the 2024 National Agricultural Sample Census highlights Kano State’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

The Northwest region contributes 33% of the country’s livestock, with Kano State alone accounting for 8%.

This includes approximately 1.458 million goats, making Kano the second-largest livestock producer in Nigeria after Bauchi State.

In addition, Kano boasts the highest number of agricultural households in the country, totaling approximately 2.369 million.

These figures underscore the state’s comparative advantage in agriculture and livestock farming, making initiatives like KSADP a natural fit for the region’s development needs.

Modernizing Agriculture Through KSADP

KSADP has introduced cutting-edge technology to transform agricultural practices in Kano.

This includes improved seeds, regenerative agriculture techniques, and extensive farmer training programs on modern agronomical systems.

The initiative is empowering farmers to increase their output while preserving the environment, positioning Kano State as a leader in sustainable agriculture.

By leveraging these advancements, Governor Yusuf’s administration is fostering a new era of productivity and innovation in Kano’s agricultural sector.

Empowering Women and Youth Through Livestock Distribution

The program’s emphasis on female farmers underscores the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and rural empowerment.

Women, traditionally the backbone of rural economies, are being equipped with the tools and resources to improve their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.

The targeted involvement of youth further ensures the sustainability of the program.

By engaging the next generation in livestock farming, the initiative is creating long-term employment opportunities and addressing youth unemployment in Kano.

Strengthening Rural Communities Through Livestock Enhancement

With Kano’s rich agricultural heritage, the KSADP scheme is perfectly aligned with the state’s cultural and economic strengths.

By supporting livestock farming, the government is reviving ancestral occupations, enhancing the quality of life for rural dwellers, and reducing the urban-rural economic divide.

A Vision for a Prosperous Kano State

Governor Yusuf’s leadership is rooted in his vision to empower ordinary citizens through sustainable initiatives.

The KSADP livestock fattening scheme is a testament to this commitment, delivering tangible benefits to rural communities and strengthening Kano’s position as a leading agricultural state in Nigeria.

Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa
Is the Director General, Media and Publicity, writes from Government House, Kano