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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

12.3m Nigerians linked to social register via NIN

From The Punch · (3h ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Over 12.3 million Nigerians have been linked to the National Social Register using their National Identification Numbers (NINs).
  • This integration aims to enhance transparency, data integrity, and ensure social interventions reach the intended beneficiaries.
  • The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) is working with local governments to strengthen the social protection system under President Tinubu's agenda.

The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) is making significant strides in reforming Nigeria's social protection system, a key component of President Bola Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope Agenda.' The integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the National Social Register is a critical step towards ensuring that social interventions are delivered with greater transparency and accuracy. By linking over 12.3 million NINs to the register, which already covers over 20 million households, NASSCO is actively working to eliminate duplication and ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable Nigerians.

Dr. Funmi Olotu, NASSCO's National Coordinator, emphasized the crucial role of local governments in this process. She rightly pointed out that effective social protection cannot be solely managed from Abuja. Local government chairmen are urged to take ownership of the NIN integration, recognizing their proximity to the communities and their unique position to translate national policies into tangible outcomes for citizens. This bottom-up approach is essential for the success of the program.

To strengthen this foundation, we are integrating the National Identification Number into the register. This reform enhances data integrity, eliminates duplication, and ensures that interventions reach the right people with precision and credibility.

— Dr Funmi OlotuExplaining the purpose and benefits of integrating NIN into the National Social Register.

The initiative underscores the government's commitment to building a more credible and accountable social safety net. The data, with over 11.5 million NINs successfully validated, represents a substantial achievement in improving data integrity. This focus on precision and credibility is vital for rebuilding public trust and ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to uplift the poor and vulnerable across the nation.

You are not just stakeholders in this process. You are the drivers of execution. You are closest to the communities, you understand the realities on the ground, and you are uniquely positioned to ensure effective implementation of the NIN integration process.

— Dr Funmi OlotuUrging local government chairmen to take ownership of the NIN integration process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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