Lagos Kicks Off NIN Integration for Federal Government’s Cash Transfer Program
The Lagos State Government has begun integrating the National Identification Number (NIN) into the Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) as part of efforts to facilitate the Federal Government’s ₦75,000 cash transfer to vulnerable households.
Initiative Aims to Ease Worsening Economic Hardship
At a statewide press briefing in Alausa, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ope George, explained that the exercise is in response to worsening economic conditions triggered by the removal of fuel subsidy, the collapse of the forex window, and the Bola Tinubu administration’s plan to disburse relief grants.
“This initiative is a transformative step to ensure no Lagos resident is left behind in accessing social protection,” George said.
Over 130,000 Households Already Linked
The Commissioner revealed that out of the 688,759 heads of households currently listed in the register, NINs for 130,000 have already been successfully linked. The data collection is being carried out across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Top Performing LGAs
Ikorodu: 16,418 heads of households linked
Alimosho: 14,964 linked
Mushin: 10,712 linked
The effort is being spearheaded by the Social Protection Coordinating Department (SPCD) under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, with support from Community-Based Targeting Teams (CBTTs) at the local level.
Goal: Ensure Accurate, Inclusive Distribution of Relief Funds
According to George, the integration aligns with directives from the Presidential Panel, mandating the update of the National Social Register with verified NINs and geo-locations to eliminate duplication and mis-targeting.
“The federal directive is clear households on the register must be updated to reflect accurate identity and location data,” he noted.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olayinka Ojo, highlighted that the objective is to ensure the right people receive support.
“This exercise will enhance accuracy and make sure that intervention reaches those who truly need it,” she stated.
Tinubu’s Administration Pushes for Swift Execution
Director of the Lagos State National Social Register, Oluwakemi Adedeji, reassured residents that the process would be seamless and inclusive. She stressed that agencies and MDAs in Lagos have been instructed to adopt the register for future intervention programs.
“President Tinubu is passionate about having a functional and accurate social register in place immediately,” Adedeji said.
She called on Lagosians to cooperate with the field teams and provide their NINs to ensure the successful rollout of the programme.
