NASSCO boss calls for coordinated approach towards tackling multidimensional poverty

Dr. Funmi Olotu, the National Coordinator of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), has called for a coordinated approach to tackling multidimensional poverty through stronger social protection systems, credible data and institutional collaboration.

The NASSCO boss said this at the high-level North-West Governors’ Forum policy dialogue on reducing multidimensional poverty through scaled social protection systems and innovative financing held in Kano State.

She described the National Social Register as the foundation for transparent, inclusive, and effective social protection interventions.

Olotu said the national register has become a strategic national asset for government planning, targeting and accountability.

The dialogue, sponsored by the European Union and UNICEF, brought together deputy governors from the seven North West states, senior government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for reducing poverty and strengthening social protection systems across the region.

Among those in attendance were Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, representatives of the European Union, UNICEF leadership, and other development partners supporting social protection reforms in Nigeria.

Addressing participants, Olotu urged stakeholders to move beyond fragmented interventions and focus on building systems capable of identifying, reaching, and supporting vulnerable populations at scale.

According to her, effective social protection requires coordinated efforts backed by credible mechanisms for identifying those most in need.

“You cannot protect who you cannot identify,” she said.

She said the register currently contains over 20 million households and more than 77 million individuals nationwide.

According to her, the North West region alone accounts for more than 8.6 million households and 34.6 million individuals captured on the register.

Olotu said the database enables government and development partners to target vulnerable populations more effectively and respond rapidly during periods of crisis.

She also highlighted the ongoing integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the register, describing it as a critical step towards improving data integrity, eliminating duplication and enhancing the delivery of social interventions.

The NASSCO National Coordinator said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which emphasises targeted social protection, improved service delivery and the use of credible data systems to ensure interventions reach poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

According to her, strengthening the National Social Register remains essential to building a more responsive and inclusive social protection system.

Beyond social assistance, Olotu advocated a broader vision of social protection that links vulnerable households to economic opportunities, livelihood support, financial inclusion and healthcare services.

She said such an approach would provide sustainable pathways out of poverty and strengthen resilience among vulnerable populations.

The discussions also focused on how Nigeria can leverage data, technology and institutional coordination to accelerate poverty reduction efforts across the country.

Participants at the forum underscored the growing importance of the National Social Register in supporting social protection delivery and advancing poverty reduction efforts in the north-west and beyond.

Olotu reiterated NASSCO’s commitment to advancing data-driven approaches that improve targeting, deepen inclusion and enhance the effectiveness of interventions for vulnerable Nigerians.