Abstract: Compilation of demographic records/data for different reasons remains a constant characteristic of all civilizations-past or present. In particular, the usual purposes of such compilation among the past civilizations were in the main to impose taxation, assign military duties or some other onerous community services upon those considered to be eligible. However, the purpose of compiling and keeping records of population in the modern society has moved beyond the imposition of tax or assignment of military duties. In today’s world, no meaningful socio-economic planning is visible without adequate records of the population. In this study therefore, the main objective is to isolate and examine the state of vital registration system as an important source of demographic data for socio-economic planning in Nigeria and to suggest ways, by which the system of vital registration can be strengthened to effectively serve its numerous aims in socio-economic development of the country. The conclusion is that as vital as vital registration system is to socio-economic planning and development, the system is not yet fully developed in terms of its overall coverage and is also, yet to be adequately appreciated in terms of its value to socio-economic planning. Hence, the study suggests some ways, by which the vital registration system, as it is today in Nigeria can be strengthened to generate necessary data for meaningful socio-economic planning in the country.