Lagos integrates NIN into social register to boost welfare targeting

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The Lagos State Government has commenced a major update of its Single Social Register, linking household data with the National Identity Number (NIN) to strengthen the delivery of social protection programs and ensure vulnerable residents receive timely support.

The update, which began on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, is ongoing across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.

Addressing the media at a press conference in Alausa on Tuesday, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to strengthen the National Social Register (NSR) and improve state-level social data systems.

“Through this integration, we are not only building a more robust and inclusive register, but also ensuring that resources are delivered to the right people at the right time for the right impact,” he said.

Currently, the Lagos Single Social Register houses data on approximately 688,759 household heads, representing over 2.68 million individuals. Mr. George noted that integrating the NIN will enhance transparency, credibility, and verifiability, key elements needed to eliminate waste and duplication in welfare programs.

“This is not just about updating a database—it is a transformative step to ensure no resident is left behind in accessing social protection and intervention programs,” he added.

Within the first month of the exercise, the Social Protection Coordination Department (SPCD)—working with community-based targeting teams—has successfully linked NINs to over 130,000 households.

Mr. George called on residents to cooperate with field officers by providing their NINs and encouraging community participation.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, emphasized the broader relevance of the exercise:

“This is not just a media briefing—it is a clarion call. The integration of NIN with the social register is a critical step in identifying and verifying beneficiaries for social intervention programs. It enhances accuracy, eliminates duplication, and ensures inclusivity.”

She urged media organizations to help raise public awareness and promote the long-term benefits of the initiative.

Providing further updates, Mrs. Oluwakemi Adedeji, Head of the SPCD, revealed that over 710,000 households have been registered to date, with a substantial number already benefitting from schemes such as the National Cash Assistance Scheme (NCAS).

However, she acknowledged persistent challenges, especially household apathy and scepticism.

The state government is encouraging all residents to actively participate in the ongoing data integration exercise, describing it as a foundation for improved governance and better service delivery in Lagos.


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