The Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government in Lagos State has commenced the integration of the State Single Social Register with individuals’ National Identification Numbers, a move aimed at boosting the efficiency and reach of social protection programmes.
The initiative was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Olayinka Ojo, during a stakeholder forum held over the weekend.
The event, tagged “Unified for Impact,” was organised by the Ministry’s Social Protection Coordinating Department to sensitise stakeholders across various sectors.
According to Ojo, the integration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive and will significantly enhance the state’s capacity to deliver targeted support to vulnerable residents.
“The Lagos State Single Social Register has become the cornerstone for our social intervention programmes, helping to ensure that support reaches those who need it the most. However, we recognise that the full potential of LASSR can only be unlocked when it is linked with the National Identification Number,” Ojo said.
She urged participants to reflect on collective progress and called for strengthened collaboration.
“We need your support today. Let us reflect on our collective progress, share ideas, identify gaps, and build synergy that will strengthen our coordination and level of impact in Lagos State, ensuring that nobody is left behind,” she added.
Ojo also underscored the importance of leveraging data-driven innovation to develop a more responsive and equitable social protection system for Lagos residents.
Also speaking at the forum, the National Coordinator of the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office, Funmilola Olotu, affirmed the Presidency’s commitment to the integration of NIN with the National Social Register as a critical step towards inclusive social protection.
“President Bola Tinubu is passionate about integrating NIN with the National Social Register to strengthen credibility and accountability, as well as ensure that all vulnerable individuals in the nation are well-catered for,” Olotu stated.
Permanent Secretaries Kikelomo Bolarinwa of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, and ‘Jibike Onigbanjo of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, also commended the department’s efforts.
They highlighted the relevance of the social register in effective planning and execution of government interventions.
Both officials urged stakeholders to urgently relay the importance of the initiative to their respective communities to ensure maximum participation and impact.
Credit: punchng.com
