Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing social protection programmes through the National Social Register (NSR).
This assurance was given by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement themed “Advancing Social Protection through the National Social Register,” held in Lagos.
The state government was also recognised for its commitment to social protection programmes, its dedication to improving the lives of citizens, especially the most vulnerable, and its consistent efforts in strengthening the NSR to ensure that all residents benefit from the initiatives.
Egube, who received the Champion of Care Award for Social Protection Implementation in Nigeria on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a timely effort to reposition the NSR as a credible platform for delivering interventions to citizens in need. According to him, “The state government will continue to strengthen social protection systems that impact the lives of Lagos residents.”
It would be recalled that under the leadership of Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government has recorded significant achievements in social protection, including the delivery of N130 billion in social protection support to over 18.5 million residents through coordinated interventions.
The NSR, which has become one of the world’s largest social protection databases, has played a central role in the state’s efforts. With more than 19 million heads of households and individual members captured, the database has been enhanced into a more reliable and inclusive system through the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN).
The state has also implemented initiatives such as the OUNJE EKO food subsidy programme, designed to improve access to affordable and nutritious food for low-income households. In addition, governance has been decentralised through local committees, ensuring a grassroots approach to addressing issues like food insecurity and malnutrition.