By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) is expanding the National Social Register (NSR) across Nigeria to improve the delivery of government social intervention programmes. The initiative, which currently covers more than 70 million Nigerians, focuses on integrating the National Identification Number (NIN), improving beneficiary verification, and using multidimensional poverty assessment tools to identify vulnerable households. NASSCO is implementing these reforms nationwide to reduce fraud, enhance transparency, and ensure eligible citizens receive targeted support through cash transfer programmes.
NASSCO Integrates NIN to Improve Data Accuracy
As part of the ongoing expansion, NASSCO is integrating the National Identification Number (NIN) into the National Social Register.
This step will help eliminate duplicate records, reduce fraudulent registrations, and improve the accuracy of beneficiary data. Consequently, the government can deliver social intervention programmes more efficiently.
Poverty Assessment to Identify Vulnerable Households
NASSCO is also deploying Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Tools to strengthen the identification process.
Rather than relying on income alone, the assessment considers several indicators of poverty. As a result, government support can reach households facing the greatest economic challenges.
Cash Transfer Programme Remains a Key Intervention
The expansion also supports the implementation of cash transfer programmes for qualified individuals and households.
These direct financial interventions aim to improve household welfare, reduce poverty, and strengthen economic resilience among vulnerable Nigerians.
Reforms Target Transparency and Accountability
According to NASSCO, the ongoing reforms seek to improve the overall effectiveness of Nigeria’s social protection system.
The agency aims to:
- Improve transparency and accountability in social intervention programmes.
- Ensure assistance reaches deserving beneficiaries.
- Strengthen Nigeria’s social protection framework.
- Reduce poverty through targeted government support.
Citizens Advised to Update Their Information
NASSCO has encouraged Nigerians to ensure their personal records, especially their National Identification Number (NIN), are correctly captured and updated.
Keeping accurate information in the National Social Register will improve eligibility verification and increase access to future government social intervention programmes.
