A team of officials from the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) has successfully concluded a three-day sensitisation and advocacy tour across local government areas in Edo North.
The exercise was aimed at strengthening the integration of the National Identity Number (NIN) into the State Social Register (SSR) to enhance social protection delivery across the state.
The initiative also focused on building the capacity of field enumerators on the importance of NIN integration as a key requirement for effective and reliable beneficiary data management.
During the sessions, participants were informed that beneficiaries whose records are not updated with their NIN may not be eligible for future government interventions.
Explaining the technical process, the team noted that records without NIN integration have been migrated to a separate platform known as “TF.”
However, such records are automatically restored to the main Social Register once NIN integration is completed, ensuring data accuracy and inclusion.
Addressing the enumerators, the State Coordinator, Dr. Lucky Odiase, stressed the urgency of the exercise and announced a two-month timeline for the completion of NIN integration for all beneficiaries.
He added that while the process is largely manual, digital updates would be deployed where feasible, and enjoined enumerators to ensure proper and transparent documentation.
He further emphasised the need for robust and credible Value Chain Household (PVH) data in the SSR, urging enumerators to approach the assignment with diligence and integrity.
To ensure practical understanding, the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mrs. Sylvia Aisagbon, alongside the M&E Officer I, Mr. Leonard Otu, conducted hands-on training sessions, guiding enumerators step-by-step through the NIN integration process.
At Owan East, the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Azoma Mohammed, received the SOCU team warmly and pledged full support for the initiative, reaffirming the council’s commitment to improving citizens’ welfare through accurate data management.
Also part of the delegation was the SOCU Communications Officer, Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, who supported stakeholder engagement and information dissemination throughout the tour.
The State Coordinating Office (NASCO), in collaboration with the World Bank and the Edo State Government, has continued efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the delivery of social intervention programmes.
With increased awareness and cooperation from enumerators, the integration of NIN into the State Social Register is expected to significantly improve targeting and service delivery.
A similar visit is scheduled for Edo Central and Edo South in subsequent phases.