The Federal Government has validated 11.5 million National Identification Numbers (NINs) in the ongoing National Social Register reform, even as the register is now estimated to cover more than 77 million nationwide.

National Coordinator of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Funmi Olotu, disclosed this yesterday during a High-Level Stakeholder Engagement with Local Government Chairmen, themed, “Strengthening Local Government Leadership for Inclusive Development and Social Protection Delivery.”

Olotu said the National Social Register currently captures over 20 million households and more than 77 million individuals across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She explained that the Federal Government was integrating the National Identification Number into the register to improve transparency, eliminate duplication and ensure interventions reach the right beneficiaries.

According to her, the register serves as a national platform for identifying and supporting poor and vulnerable households nationwide.

She noted that the reform aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which emphasises targeted, transparent and accountable social interventions.

The NASSCO boss said local government chairmen were brought into the process because they are closest to vulnerable communities affected by recent economic reforms.

Olotu added that the NIN integration would help eliminate outdated and duplicated records from the register.

In his remarks, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, said social protection has become a critical tool for governance, poverty reduction and community resilience, particularly in conflict-affected states.

He stressed the need for social protection interventions to be data-driven, transparent and effectively targeted to ensure limited resources reach vulnerable Nigerians.