In a major milestone for social welfare, the Benue State Government has revealed that its social register now includes 1.7 million vulnerable and impoverished individuals across the state. This significant update was announced by Professor Jerome Andohol, the Director General of the State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, at a three-day training event for key officials involved in updating the register and integrating the National Identity Number (NIN) into the data.
Benue’s Social Register Expansion: A Step Toward Greater Inclusion
The state’s social register, which was initially inherited with 1.6 million individuals, has undergone a significant expansion since the current administration took office. According to Professor Andohol, the number of Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHs) has increased from 417,743 to 496,993, while the total number of individuals in the register has risen to 1,746,411, marking a notable jump in the state’s efforts to provide support for its most disadvantaged citizens.
“This increase reflects the tremendous progress made in updating the data,” Andohol explained, adding that since Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration took office, 79,250 households and 85,372 individuals have been added to the register. The updates aim to ensure that more people benefit from state and federal welfare initiatives.
Addressing Key Challenges and Ensuring Access to Aid
One of the primary goals of the update is to address challenges in the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, where many beneficiaries faced issues with incorrect account details and lack of unique identifiers. In response, the federal government has decided to link beneficiaries’ account details with their NIN, ensuring smoother access to funds and reducing barriers to support.
The training event, focused on equipping enumerators and officers with the necessary skills to integrate NINs with the social register, is seen as a crucial step toward helping residents access government palliatives designed to ease the financial burden caused by the fuel subsidy removal.
Andohol emphasized the importance of this exercise, stating, “This is an opportunity provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lift people out of poverty, ensure financial inclusion, and reduce cash circulation. It is vital that we get this right to maximize the benefits for our people.”
Governor’s Message: NIN Integration Is Key to Efficient Social Welfare
In his address, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, stressed the importance of the National Identity Number as a cornerstone of national identity. He explained that the NIN is not just a number but an essential tool for accurate identification in both administrative and digital systems across the country.
“The integration of the NIN into the Social Register is a leap forward in making our social welfare programs more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all,” said Alia. His remarks underscored the commitment of the state government to ensure that data-driven processes are more inclusive and impactful, aligning with the objectives of the Tinubu-led federal government.
The Role of the State Social Register in National Welfare Programs
Mrs. Funmi Olotu, National Program Coordinator for the NPM National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), represented by Timiyehin Ayodele-Ozoya, also highlighted the importance of the State Social Register in the broader framework of social safety net programs. She noted that the register plays a crucial role in targeting interventions and ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.
A Collaborative Effort for Effective Social Support
This three-day training, organized by the State Operation Coordinating Unit and the Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, in collaboration with the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office and the National Identity Management Commission, aims to enhance the capacity of local officials to update and manage the social register efficiently.
With the integration of the National Identity Number into the social register, the Benue State Government is positioning itself to deliver more targeted and effective welfare services, ensuring that those who need it most are not left behind. The expansion of the social register is a promising step toward a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient social safety net system for the people of Benue.
