By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of social protection initiatives by integrating the Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) with individuals’ National Identification Numbers (NIN), in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
Image for illustration
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, made this known at a stakeholder engagement forum tagged “Unified for Impact”, held recently in Lagos. The forum, organized by the Social Protection Coordinating Department of the Ministry, brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including Heads of Departments and Community Development Council Chairmen from all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in the state.
Speaking at the event, Ojo described the LASSR as the backbone of Lagos State’s social intervention programs. She noted that integrating the register with the NIN would help ensure targeted and efficient delivery of support to the most vulnerable populations.
“The Lagos State Single Social Register has become the cornerstone for our social intervention programs, helping to ensure that support reaches those who need it the most,” she said. “However, we recognize that the full potential of LASSR can only be unlocked when it is linked with the National Identification Number.”
Ojo called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to deepen the reach and reliability of the register. “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,” she added.
She further stressed the importance of leveraging data-driven innovation to create a more equitable and responsive social protection system for all residents.
Also speaking at the forum, the National Coordinator of the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office, Dr. Funmilola Olotu, emphasized the need for harmonized data systems and collaborative partnerships to ensure the sustainability and scalability of social protection efforts nationwide.