Lagos begins integration of NIN with State Social Register

The Lagos State Government has commenced the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into its Single Social Register, a move aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and reach of its social protection programmes. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to link all state registers with national identification for better coordination and delivery of social welfare.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, made this known at a sensitization forum themed “Unified for Impact.” The event, organised by the Social Protection Coordinating Department of the ministry, gathered stakeholders including Heads of Departments and Community Development Council Chairmen from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

Ojo described the Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) as the cornerstone of the state’s social intervention efforts. “We recognise that the full potential of LASSR can only be unlocked when it is linked with the National Identification Number,” she said. She urged stakeholders to support the integration, share ideas, and close gaps to ensure inclusive and effective social protection delivery across the state.

Emphasizing the importance of data-driven governance, Ojo noted that the integration would improve the efficiency and equity of intervention programmes. She stressed that the state is determined to leave no resident behind, in keeping with the social development vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The National Coordinator of the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office, Dr. Funmilola Olotu, also spoke at the forum, highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to this initiative. She reiterated that President Tinubu is passionate about integrating NIN with social registers nationwide to boost transparency and ensure the inclusion of all vulnerable individuals.

Other top officials, including the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, and that of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, praised the initiative. They encouraged stakeholders to promote the importance of the register across their communities to accelerate the update process.

Director of the Social Protection Coordinating Department, Mrs. Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji, noted that the LASSR serves as the backbone of Lagos State’s social intervention strategy. She urged stakeholders to amplify awareness efforts at the grassroots level and ensure vulnerable individuals are properly documented. “This is a call to action for the entire community. Let’s make sure no one is left behind,” she said.

Following the forum, the department’s team visited Kosofe Local Government to engage with field officers and local residents. They also visited the palace of Chief Surajudeen Lasisi, the traditional ruler of the area, who pledged his support to mobilize his people for the initiative. The register update officially commenced on April 9, 2025, across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs of the state.