By Ishola Balogun
Lagos — The Director-General of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Dr Funmi Olotu has said that the Nigeria Social Register, NSR, has expanded to over 19 million households and 70 million individuals, positioning it among the largest social protection databases globally.
Dr. Olotu stated this while addressing participants at the NASSCO’s Stakeholders Engagement Conference on Advancing Social Protection through the National Social Register (NSR), held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Monday.
She stated that under her leadership, since April 2025, NASSCO has integrated over 9.1 million National Identification Numbers (NINs) into the Register, with 8.4 million successfully validated—a feat that eclipses previous national efforts which struggled to reach even 5% success.
“In just four months, we have reached a significant milestone that demonstrates how far we have come in strengthening Nigeria’s social protection systems through technology and data,” Olotu declared. “Each of these steps brings us closer to our vision: a Nigeria where social protection is not an aspiration, but a lived reality.”
The conference also spotlighted emergency response successes, including swift aid deployment to displaced families in Benue’s Yelwata community and proactive flood risk mitigation through the Action Committee on Flood-Prone Communities.
Highlight of the event was recognition of outstanding performances of some state governors on the plight of the poor and vulnerable. Governors Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Babagana Zulum (Borno) were commended for pioneering state-level integration and data-driven welfare initiatives. Sule received the Social Protection Award, while Sanwo-Olu was honored as Champion of Care. Other distinguished awardees included Farmer Governor Muhammed Bago of Niger State and philanthropist Tony Elumelu.
Dr Olotu said: “As we gather here today, I am excited to reflect on the progress we have made so far. As of August 31st, 2025, a total of Seven million, six hundred and eighty-one thousand, nine hundred and Thirty-Three (7,681,933) updated household records have been received from 36 states and the FCT. From these households, Nine million, Five hundred and Ninety thousand, forty-three (9,590,043) NINs were reported, out of which Nine million, One hundred and forty-two thousand, Four hundred and
Twenty-Three (9,142,423) NINs have been shared with NIMC, and so far, eight million, three hundred and ninety-seven thousand, seven hundred and two (8,397,702) NINs have been successfully validated. This is a remarkable breakthrough, considering that previous national efforts to integrate NINs into the Social Register had struggled to achieve even 5% 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.
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“Each of these steps brings us closer to our vision: a Nigeria where social protection is not an aspiration, but a lived reality. 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.”
Dr. Olotu called for unity and collaborative efforts to ensure that the National Social Register delivers results that will improve the lives of beneficiaries and contribute to the realization of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“But we cannot do this alone. Today is about collaboration. It is about listening, learning, and charting a bold way forward together. Governors, your leadership at the state level is critical. Development partners, your technical and financial support remains invaluable. Civil society and the media, your voices keep us accountable and ensure that the stories of the vulnerable are not silenced,” she said.