Oyo partners NIMC, NASSCO to enhance social register accuracy

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Oyo State Government has partnered with the National Identity Management Commission, (NIMC), and the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office, (NASSCO), to improve the accuracy of the national social register to enhance the accuracy of the national social register and improve social intervention programmes

Speaking at a three-day training for field personnel in Oyo town, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, stated that the initiative, which commenced on Thursday, aims to leverage the National Identification Number (NIN) for efficient delivery of intervention programmes.

Babatunde, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Mr. Julius Ayanleke stated in line with President Renewed Hope agenda, it is compulsory that all Cash Transfer Recipient Households must have a NIN and beneficiaries must selected from the National Social Register (NSR) of the Poor and Vulnerable.

He stated further that the register would “allow a unique identity to be assigned to beneficiaries in order to ensure social inclusion and transparency.”

The Commissioner explained that the main objective of the training is to educate participants on the processes and procedures of Household Update and NIN Integration, introducing them to their roles and responsibilities during the conduct of the exercise

Babatunde appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for funding Community Based Targeting (CBT) exercise in the State aimed at expanding the State Social Register (SSR), charging the participants to contribute their own quota towards alleviating poverty in the State.

In his remarks, the Zonal Targeting Officer, NASSCO, Mr. Lawal Malik who spoke on behalf of the National Programme Manager, stated that the State Social Register (SSR) plays a vital role in Social Safety Nets Programs, serving as a Single Unified database for targeting beneficiaries of Social interventions.

He said the integration of NIN with the SSR will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of targeting mechanisms and ensure that the most vulnerable households receive the support needed.