Lagos State has said that the National Social Register (NSR) is helping states plan more effectively, with projections to inject over 150 billion naira in support for the poor and vulnerable by 2026.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at a program organized by the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Lagos, which brought together key stakeholders from government, development partners, and the private sector under the theme, Advancing Social Protection Through the National Social Register.

The Governor’s representative, Samuel Egube, noted that Lagos State intends to raise its budgetary allocation to social protection by 30 percent in 2026, increasing funding to about N170 billion. He said the government was committed to ensuring that those on the margins of poverty feel the impact of social welfare programs.

Thousands have been displaced by floods across several states, heightening the need for reliable data to respond to crises. Experts at the event said that for any nation to respond effectively to disasters, a credible database of citizens was essential.

Olufunmi Olotu of NASSCO said the National Social Register has now grown to cover more than 19 million households and over 70 million individuals. “But beyond the numbers, the real story is that mothers in rural communities, young people searching for opportunity, and the household on the margin of poverty are beginning to see a government that knows them, recognizes their struggle, and is deliberate about supporting them,” she said.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State stressed the importance of continuous support for the vulnerable. “Continuous assistance to the vulnerable is actually a responsibility not only on the part of government, but also on the part of those who can afford it. And that is the reason why every time there is an opportunity with the World Bank to come across and do something, we are always on top of it,” he stated.

Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, explained how the register is used to drive private sector support. “Through the register, we identify people to support with the entrepreneurship program that we do every year,” he said.

Representatives from the Ministry of Finance emphasized that social protection must go beyond data collection. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said, “Forms are never about numbers alone. They must touch lives. They must mean that a mother can feed her children, that a small business can thrive, and that the poor and vulnerable can face life with dignity.”

Traditional leaders also called for inclusivity. The Alara of Ilara Epe Kingdom, Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, urged that the register must remain dynamic, transparent, and accessible so that no vulnerable group is left behind. Stakeholders agreed that discussions should focus on measurable solutions to support Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Federal Government programmes designed to empower women and boost their economic status.

Governor Abiodun gave this assurance on Tuesday in Abeokuta when he received the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who paid him a courtesy visit. The governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, highlighted the critical roles women play as home builders and the foundation of society.

According to him, “women have made significant contributions to national development, underscoring the need for their voices to be heard.” He explained that his administration had implemented several women empowerment programmes and prioritised issues affecting them to improve their well-being and participation in governance.

Governor Abiodun further stated that the federal government had empowered women through agriculture, trade, vocational training, and other initiatives that have enhanced their livelihoods. He assured that Ogun State has the political will to support women-focused projects and expressed readiness to serve as a pilot state for any federal programme aimed at uplifting women.

He commended the Minister for her impactful service, noting that the state government would continue to work with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for the benefit of Nigerian women.

Speaking during the visit, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said empowering women remains a top priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. She explained that several empowerment programmes have been rolled out nationwide to make women self-reliant and capable of contributing to the country’s economic growth.

She added, “The federal government is considering scaling up empowerment for women in all states of the federation to enable them to be self-reliant and contribute to national development.”

The minister explained that her visit was aimed at assessing the programmes available for women in Ogun State and providing an opportunity for commissioners from Anambra, Gombe, and Zamfara states, who accompanied her, to learn from the state’s approach to women empowerment.

She commended the state government for its ongoing transformation and encouraged Governor Abiodun to continue making Ogun State a model for others to follow.

Meanwhile, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, also appreciated the Minister of Women Affairs for the continuous support given to women in Ogun State. She made this known during an empowerment programme where women received food items and other essentials at the Women Development Centre, Asero, Abeokuta.

Mrs. Abiodun described women in the state as resilient and hardworking, noting that they strive daily to provide for their families. She said, “Your visit shows that you recognise the importance of Ogun women and value their contribution to society.”

In her response, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim praised Ogun State for being gender-sensitive and for giving women a place of pride in governance, calling it a model worthy of emulation across Nigeria.

She revealed that the federal government has allocated substantial resources for women development programmes that will benefit women as part of the one trillion dollar economy being pursued by the administration. She also called for an end to all forms of violence and trafficking against girls, stressing that empowering women would enable them to achieve their full potential and live productive lives that benefit society.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Oladipupo-Adeleye, explained that Ogun State operates four Safe Centres where abused women receive shelter and are trained in different trades and vocations.

She expressed appreciation to the state government for its support and to the governor’s wife for her efforts in advancing women-focused projects across the state.

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has flagged off the second phase of its Renewed Hope Employment Initiatives (RHEI) in Abia State, targeting 1,188 unemployed youths for skills acquisition training. The programme, which commenced in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, is part of a nationwide employment scheme covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the NDE, Silas Ali Agara, who was represented by the State Coordinator, Tessy Wachuku, said the initiative is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and enjoys the backing of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Agara explained that the programme was developed to tackle unemployment and poverty by providing practical training in vocational trades, entrepreneurship, agriculture, ICT, and public works. He added that over 41,000 people will be trained across Nigeria under this second phase.

According to him, “The programme is a chance for participants to transform their future. I encourage all trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity.” He also revealed that lessons from the first phase had led to improvements, including a digitised registration portal with geofenced features to ensure fairness, transparency, and a credible database of beneficiaries.

In a brief remark, the Head of the Vocational Skills Development Department, Chinyere Onyekwere, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries present and urged the trainees to remain focused and committed throughout the training.

The flag-off ceremony attracted state officials, federal representatives, and stakeholders. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ngozichi Onwuso thanked the federal government and the NDE and pledged their commitment to make the most of the training opportunity.

The Federal Government has announced that the full registration and integration of the National Identification Number into the National Social Register will be completed by March 2026.

This was disclosed by the National Programme Manager of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office, Dr. Funmi Olotu, at the Stakeholder Engagement Conference on Advancing Social Protection through the NSR held in Lagos.

According to Olotu, the integration exercise, which began in April 2025, has recorded unprecedented progress. She explained that as of 31 August 2025, more than 7.6 million household records had been updated nationwide, with 9.5 million NINs reported. Out of this number, 8.3 million have been successfully validated by the National Identity Management Commission.

“By March 2026, we aim to achieve full verification and NIN integration for every household in the Register, closing the gaps, eliminating duplication, and ensuring that every naira spent delivers impact where it matters most,” Olotu stated.

She further described the development as a remarkable breakthrough, stressing that earlier attempts at integrating NINs into the Social Register had struggled to reach even 5 percent success.

“In just four months, we have now reached a significant milestone that demonstrates how far we have come in strengthening Nigeria’s social protection systems through technology and data,” she added.

Olotu assured participants that the National Social Register is no longer a static database but a “living instrument of hope,” designed to ensure that government support reaches households in need. She emphasized that the process will enhance social protection programs and improve transparency in poverty reduction efforts across the country.

Nasarawa State governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting poverty reduction through the NSR. He said social protection remains a shared responsibility between the government and the private sector.

Drawing from his own experience in private enterprise and public service, Sule highlighted his tenure as Managing Director of African Petroleum Plc and later as Group Managing Director of Petroleum Products Marketing Company.

He noted how interventions from corporate leaders such as Tony Elumelu, and partnerships involving the Dangote Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, proved that collective action can play a vital role in tackling poverty nationwide.

Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim fsi, has reaffirmed her commitment to women’s empowerment during a one-day working visit to Abeokuta, Ogun State. She officially launched the Olowu Hope Initiative Women’s Association Fund, describing it as “a noble project aimed at empowering women who will, in turn, contribute their quota to strengthening our national economy.”

The Minister expressed delight at the cultural display of the Owu people, highlighting their traditions and hospitality. “I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the rich cultural heritage of the Owu people, gracefully preserved and propagated by His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola Oluyalo (Otileta VII), The 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom, and his elegant wives. I was delighted to share in their joy, dance to the melodious traditional songs, and stand in solidarity with their efforts,” she said.

In support of the fund’s launch, the Minister announced her personal donation. “I contributed the sum of N2 million, alongside 50 bags of rice and Ankara fabrics generously provided through our partnership with the Nigerian Customs Service under the dynamic leadership of CG Bashir Adeniyi Adebayo,” she stated.

She was joined at the event by the First Lady of Ogun State, Her Excellency Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladipo. The Minister commended their dedication, noting that their “commitment to women’s empowerment is truly inspiring.”

Speaking on her experience, Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Owu community. “The warm reception I received from the wonderful people of Owu will remain memorable. I deeply appreciate their hospitality and the vibrancy of their culture,” she remarked.

She added that she looks forward to future visits “to share in the joy, resilience, and prosperity of these hardworking women, who continue to play a vital role in building our great nation.”