SUN APRIL 13 2025-theGBJournal| The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, has stated that the Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring that the Lagos State Single Social Register is updated and integrated with individuals’ National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The move is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of social protection programmes in the state and in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
Ojo disclosed this at a forum tagged: “Unified for Impact,” organised by the Ministry, through the Social Protection Coordinating Department, to sensitize stakeholders from various sectors, including selected Heads of Departments and Community Development Council Chairmen from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of the state, to provide them with a deeper understanding of the numerous benefits associated with enhancing the Single Social Register through seamless integration.
According to Ojo, “The Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) has become the cornerstone for our social intervention programmes, helping to ensure that support reaches those who need it the most. However, we recognize that the full potential of LASSR can only be unlocked when it is linked with the National Identification Number (NIN).” She added,
“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.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of leveraging data-driven innovation to build a more equitable and responsive system for all residents of Lagos.
Also speaking at the forum, the National Coordinator, National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office, Dr. Funmilola Olotu, noted that as part of its efforts to cater to the needs of the citizenry, the Presidency recognizes that linking the National Social Register with NIN would be of great impact and has cascaded it to every state in the Federation.
Olotu reiterated the President’s commitment to delivering dividends of democracy, saying, “President Bola Ahmed 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.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. ‘Jibike Onigbanjo, commended the department’s work so far and emphasised the importance of the Social Register in the planning and execution of government intervention. They encouraged stakeholders to cascade the importance to their various communities as a matter of urgency.
In the same vein, the Director of Social Protection Coordinating Department, Mrs. Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji, in her presentation, explained how the data collated from the Lagos State Single Social Register serves as the bedrock of the social intervention architecture of the state. The Director expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their role in reaching the grassroots level and encouraged them to continuously ensure everyone in need is covered.
She said, “We appreciate the stakeholders’ efforts in reaching the grassroots level and urge them to work more closely with us to ensure that no one is left behind, according to the developmental pillars of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration, THEMES Plus.” She added, “This Social Register helps the right intervention get to the right people, ensuring social justice, equity, and protection for citizens of Lagos State”.
Garbadeen-Adedeji appealed to the stakeholders present to ensure that the provisions made for vulnerable people by the government make an impact so that everyone can enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The Director appealed that beyond the stakeholder’s forum, each member of the community should spread the word about the benefits inherent in updating the Lagos State Single social register. “This is a call to action for the entire community to ensure that no one is left behind, as Lagos residents we can contribute to the success of the register update initiative by sensitizing our community members on the benefit, let us ensure this is a case of all for one and one for all” she emphasised.
Following the event, the department’s team visited the Kosofe Local Government, where they conducted sensitization, addressed field officers’ challenges, and engaged with residents to encourage their participation in the update process. They also visited the palace of the Traditional Ruler of the Area, Chief Surajudeen Lasisi, where they canvassed for support. The Traditional Ruler promised to use his influence to ensure that the people in his constituency are sensitized and embrace the update of the register.
One of the stakeholders present at the forum, the Chairman of Olubori Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Balogun Tejumade, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative, saying, “We commend the Lagos State Government for this initiative, which will enhance social protection programmes and improve the lives of our residents.
The Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) is a database of Heads and Members of Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHS).
The Lagos State Single Social Register update and Integration with the National Identification Number (NIN) kicked off on Wednesday, 9th April 2025, in the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.
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