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NIN-NSR INTEGRATION: ONDO SOCU TAKES SENSITISATION TO THE GRASSROOTS
The Ondo State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) has intensified its statewide sensitisation campaign on the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the National Social Register (NSR), taking advocacy beyond government offices to grassroots communities across the state.
The campaign, which began with strategic engagement at the state level, is now being cascaded to communities to ensure that residents understand the importance of obtaining and linking their NIN to the National Social Register.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the Ondo SOCU State Coordinator, Olaoluwa Bankole Esq., explained that the National Identification Number is far more than a requirement for accessing social intervention programmes.
According to him, the NIN is a nationally recognised identity that enables citizens to access a wide range of government services and serves as a critical tool for accurate identification.
He disclosed that individuals already captured in the National Social Register but yet to obtain a National Identification Number would be supported to register and have their NIN linked to their existing records.
Referencing the recently signed National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026, Bankole noted that the NIN-NSR integration forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen and humanise the National Social Register by ensuring that every registered individual has a unique and verifiable identity.
“Once a person’s NIN is linked to the register, government can confidently verify that the record belongs to a specific individual. The objective is to improve the accuracy and credibility of the data, eliminate duplication and ensure that government interventions reach the right beneficiaries,” he said.
The State Coordinator appealed to the Permanent Secretary to disseminate the information to critical stakeholders, to deepen awareness and encourage greater participation in the exercise across the state.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Reverend Samuel Oluwanisomo Ogunlade, reaffirmed the ministry’s full support for the National Social Register-National Identification Number integration initiative, describing it as a critical step towards enhancing the credibility, accuracy and transparency of the social register.
He assured that the ministry would continue to provide the necessary leadership and institutional support required for the successful implementation of the exercise.
The Permanent Secretary also urged all eligible residents, particularly those already enrolled in the National Social Register, to obtain and link their National Identification Number, stressing that the initiative would improve data quality, strengthen accountability and enhance the effective delivery of government social intervention programmes to deserving beneficiaries.
Taking the campaign to the grassroots, Bankole addressed community stakeholders at Edema, Akure, where he appreciated residents for their consistent support for SOCU’s activities and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible household is left behind in the ongoing expansion and strengthening of the National Social Register.
He explained that the purpose of the sensitisation was to educate residents on the importance of integrating the National Identification Number into the National Social Register and encouraged both those already captured and those yet to be enrolled to obtain their NIN.
According to a statement signed by the Communication Officer, Folasade Oladehinde, the Coordinator urged residents to provide accurate personal information during the exercise to ensure seamless registration and integration.
He further assured the community that trained registration officers would subsequently visit their communities to facilitate the process, adding that NIN registration and integration are completely free of charge and would be brought closer to the people for easy access.
Similarly, during a sensitisation session with residents of Iyange I and II communities, the Head of Operations, Mr. Sesan Kumuyi, emphasised that the National Identification Number is unique to every individual.
He explained that no two people can possess the same NIN and that an individual cannot legally have more than one NIN, describing the identity number as an effective safeguard against impersonation, identity theft and other forms of fraud.
According to him, integrating the NIN into the National Social Register will enhance the integrity of the database and ensure that government benefits are delivered to the rightful members of registered households.
Also speaking, the Ag. head M&E/MIS, Mr. Iwayemi Oluwasomi urged community members to embrace the exercise wholeheartedly, noting that the integration is in their best interest. He encouraged residents to cooperate with registration officials when they visit their communities, provide accurate information, and mobilise other eligible household members to participate.
He stressed that a credible and up-to-date National Social Register remains essential for effective planning, equitable distribution of government social interventions, and ensuring that vulnerable households are not excluded from programmes designed to improve their welfare.
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