Lagos Intensifies Drive for Data-Driven Social Welfare with Expanded Register and Targeted Relief

In a bold step toward strengthening its social protection systems, the Lagos State Government has ramped up efforts to build a transparent, data-driven framework for identifying and supporting its most vulnerable residents. Central to this initiative is the Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR), a vital component of the National Social Register, designed to streamline access to both federal and state social intervention programmes.

At a recent press briefing held in Alausa, the Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning described the LASSR as instrumental in pinpointing eligible beneficiaries for welfare programmes, including the Federal Government’s conditional cash transfer initiative. He emphasized that amid the current economic climate—marked by subsidy removals, foreign exchange volatility, and inflation—accurate and verifiable data is crucial for delivering targeted and effective relief.

To ensure credibility and eliminate duplication, the state has partnered with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate National Identification Numbers (NINs) into the LASSR. Within a single month, over 130,000 heads of households across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas have been verified and linked to their NINs, with Ikorodu, Alimosho, and Mushin recording the highest registration figures.

As of now, the state’s database includes 688,759 heads of households and 2,681,507 individual members. The Commissioner described the development as a “transformative milestone” in ensuring that no Lagosian is excluded from the state’s THEMES+ agenda for inclusive growth and social development.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry reinforced that the ongoing data verification exercise will help eliminate duplicates and ensure that social benefits are directed solely at those who genuinely need them. The data-gathering phase, he said, is expected to conclude by July.

Multiple state ministries and agencies are already leveraging the LASSR to drive relief programmes. These include the Ministries of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Wealth Creation and Employment, and Agriculture and Food Systems, which are delivering interventions ranging from financial grants to food supplies, particularly targeting hard-to-reach communities.

One of the flagship platforms complementing these efforts is the Sanwo-Olu Listens Financial Assistance Programme, launched in 2020 to provide direct financial aid to struggling residents. According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, the initiative disbursed N2.46 billion to 8,690 beneficiaries over the past year. The funds helped cover medical expenses, school fees, rent, and support for small-scale businesses.

As part of upcoming Sallah palliatives, the adviser announced that an additional N1.6 billion will be distributed to 1,000 new beneficiaries. He described the move as part of the administration’s broader commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable poverty alleviation.

Beyond direct cash relief, programmes such as Eko Cares have empowered more than 6,000 small-scale entrepreneurs with tools and resources to build resilient businesses. Additionally, N400 million has been invested in maternal and child nutrition initiatives, reaching over 6,000 mothers and children with essential health and dietary support.

The state has also rolled out the Snacks for Thought school feeding initiative, aimed at improving learning outcomes and child nutrition in public schools. So far, the programme has provided nutritious meals to 11,965 pupils, contributing to enhanced academic performance and overall well-being.

In terms of civic engagement, the state’s digital feedback platform, Citizens Gate, has recorded over 400,000 responses in the past year. These insights have helped shape policy directions and improve public service delivery, reinforcing the government’s commitment to citizen-focused governance.

Together, these initiatives reflect a coordinated and far-reaching effort by the Lagos State Government to establish a comprehensive social safety net—driven by accurate data, inter-agency collaboration, and a strong resolve to uplift the most vulnerable segments of the population.