Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the National Population Commission (NPC). This is an informational guide — register births or deaths and obtain certificates only through official NPC channels (nationalpopulation.gov.ng and its self-service portals). Timely birth registration is free, and you should use the verifiable digital certificate; beware touts and fake documents. Note: a sworn age declaration is made in a High Court, not by the NPC.
What it is
An Attestation of Birth is the NPC document for people who were not registered at birth — it serves as their official, verifiable proof of birth details in place of a standard birth certificate.
Who needs it
Mainly adults (18+) who have no birth certificate, and those born before the NPC era (a standard certificate can’t be issued for very old births — attestation plus an affidavit is used).
What you need
- A valid NIN (applicants without a NIN get a temporary Birth ID).
- A court affidavit sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths.
- An active phone number and email (and a face capture — needs good lighting and a plain background).
How to apply
- Go to the NPC Birth Attestation service (via nationalpopulation.gov.ng → Services).
- Accept the guidelines, enter your email for a payment reference, and pay ₦3,000 online.
- Complete the form (state/LGA, nearest centre), do the face capture, review and submit.
- Track with your reference and download your attestation.
Adjusting your date of birth
During attestation you can adjust your date of birth after NIN validation — but the new date must not differ by more than five years from the original. This is often used to align records for NIN DOB correction.
Once only
You can apply for attestation only once, so verify every detail before submitting.
Tips
- Get your court affidavit ready first.
- Double-check details — one attempt only.
- Keep your reference number for download/reprint.
When you need an attestation
A birth attestation is the NPC document for adults aged 18 and above who were never registered as children and so have no birth certificate. Many Nigerians reach adulthood without one and then discover they need proof of birth for a passport, exams, employment or other official purposes. The attestation fills that gap: it's the adult equivalent of the birth certificate, issued through the NPC's online attestation self-service portal (or with help at a centre). If you're under 18, you don't use attestation — you use birth registration instead.
Affidavit, NIN and no-NIN route
Attestation has specific requirements: a court affidavit sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths, a valid NIN (verification is mandatory if you have one — resolve any NIN issues first), and an active email and phone number, plus a face capture (needs good lighting, stable network, plain background). There's a route for those without a NIN: you receive a temporary Birth ID and must then visit a NIMC office — note this temporary attestation number is meant to be used during NIN enrolment, not as a substitute for a validated NIN.
Once only, and the ±5-year rule
Two rules matter. First, you can apply for attestation only once, so verify every detail carefully before submitting — there's no second bite. Second, if you're adjusting your date of birth, the change is made manually after NIN validation and the new date must not differ by more than five years from the original. Your payment reference and other details are sent to your email, and you download the attestation from your NPC account once approved. As with all NPC services, get your details right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Attestation of Birth?
The NPC document for people not registered at birth — an official, verifiable proof of birth details used in place of a standard birth certificate.
Who needs an Attestation of Birth?
Mainly adults (18+) with no birth certificate, and those born before the NPC era (used with an affidavit).
How much is a Birth Attestation?
₦3,000, payable online.
What do I need for a Birth Attestation?
A valid NIN (or you get a temporary Birth ID), a court affidavit sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths, an active phone and email, and a face capture.
Can I change my date of birth with an attestation?
You can adjust it after NIN validation, but the new date must not differ by more than five years from the original. Attestation can be applied for only once.
What is a birth attestation?
The NPC document for adults aged 18 and above who were never registered as children and so have no birth certificate — the adult equivalent, issued through the NPC's online attestation self-service portal (or with help at a centre). Under-18s use birth registration instead.
Who needs a birth attestation?
Adults 18 and over who have no birth certificate but need proof of birth for a passport, exams, employment or other official purposes. It fills the gap left by never being registered as a child.
What do I need for a birth attestation?
A court affidavit sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths, a valid NIN (verification is mandatory if you have one — resolve any issues first), an active email and phone number, and a face capture. Those without a NIN receive a temporary Birth ID to use during NIN enrolment at NIMC.
Can I get a birth attestation without a NIN?
There's a route: you receive a temporary Birth ID upon successful application and must then visit a NIMC office. Note the temporary attestation number is meant for use during NIN enrolment, not as a substitute for a validated NIN.
Can I change my date of birth on an attestation?
Yes, but the adjustment is made manually after NIN validation and the new date of birth must not differ by more than five years from the original. And attestation can be applied for only once, so verify every detail carefully before submitting.