In a movement to eradicate extreme poverty, Nigeria is launching a comprehensive initiative driven by technology focused on its National Social Registry (NSR) as the cornerstone for specific social interventions.
During a one -day interested parties in Lagos, convened by the Social Security Nets Coordination Office (Nassco), Dr. Funmi Olotu, National Manager of Programs of Nassco, presented plans to review the registration, which currently lists more than 70 million Nigerians, to improve transparency, responsibility and precision to reach the most needy.
Under the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the NSR is evolving beyond a mere database to a dynamic instrument of hope designed to proactively identify and support the poor and vulnerable of Nigeria, said Dr. Olotu.
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According to her, a critical aspect of this transformation is the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) in the Registry, a movement aimed at improving the integrity of the data and eliminating duplication.
Dr. Olotu reported significant progress, noting that more than 8.3 million NIN have been successfully validated in just four months.
“This represents a great advance, especially given the challenges facing the previous attempts on this scale. Our goal is to achieve the complete integration of NIN for each home in the registry in March 2026, establishing a more credible and resistant system,” he said.
Beyond the data, said Dr. Olotu, the strategic repositioning of the NSR is delivering tangible results in the field.
Citing the Yelwata community in the state of Benue, he highlighted how the registration allowed the rapid and precise delivery of emergency aid to families displaced by an attack in June 2025, saying: “This demonstrates the government’s ability for a quick and precise crisis response.”
She said that the NSR has become an essential tool for proactive disaster management, noting that Nassco takes advantage of its data to identify communities prone to flooding, facilitating early intervention and support before disasters smell, marking a change in reactive response to the construction of community resilience.
TGE Senator of the West District, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, also speaking at the event, the collective commitment of creating an inclusive and equitable platform stressed.
She emphasized that the NSR is not simply a database, but the backbone of Nigeria’s ability to provide help with transparency, responsibility and respect for human dignity.
Representing the governor of the state of Lagos Babajide Sanwo-olu, the deputy director of Cabinet, Mr. Sam Egube, said that the vision is aligned with the mission of the state of Lagos to generate resilience through dignity, opportunity and protection for all citizens.
“Social protection is not charity; it is one of the most intelligent social investments that a society can do,” said Egube.
He explained that support for vulnerable populations produces benefits that extend through communities, reduce poverty, strengthen resilience, improve human capital and stimulate local economies.
The deputy of the Governor of the State of Babagana Zulum praised the forum for fostering a response united to the social and economic challenges of Nigeria.
He described the NSR as a line of life for southeast, noting that registration allows the support directed in the midst of the ongoing insurgency, displacement and recurring disasters such as floods, fires and food shortage.
“This conversation is not an abstract political debate; it is about survival, unity and the future of our people,” he said, affirming the critical role of registration in the identification and help of the most vulnerable households.
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