The Benue State Government has revealed that the number of poor and vulnerable individuals recorded in its Social Register has grown to 1.7 million, marking a significant increase from the previous figure.
Professor Jerome Andohol, Director General of the State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, made this known on Monday during a three-day training program aimed at updating the register and integrating the National Identity Number for beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Andohol noted that the current administration inherited a register containing 1.6 million individuals but has since expanded it.
“At the assumption of office of this administration, the number of Poor and Vulnerable Households stood at 417,743, while the number of individuals was 1,661,039,” he explained.
“There has been a tremendous improvement, with the number of PVHHs increasing to 496,993, while the individual number has now risen to 1,746,411.”
He further disclosed that since Governor Hyacinth Alia took office, an additional 79,250 households and 85,372 individuals have been added to the database.
Andohol also addressed challenges in the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer program, highlighting that some beneficiaries have struggled to access funds due to incorrect account details and the absence of unique identifiers.
“In order to bridge the gap, the Federal Government has decided that all potential beneficiaries listed in the social register must have their account details linked with their NIN,” he said.
He stressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “This exercise is crucial for our people to benefit from the FG’s palliative program aimed at cushioning the impact of fuel subsidy removal. It will help lift them out of poverty, promote financial inclusion, and reduce the amount of cash in circulation.”
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, emphasized that the National Identity Number is more than just a number—it is a vital component of national identity.
“The integration of this number into the Social Register is not just a technical advancement; it is a leap towards making our social welfare programs more efficient, transparent, and accessible to everyone,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of ensuring that data-driven processes are inclusive, accurate, and aligned with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the training, Mrs. Funmi Olotu, National Program Coordinator for the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office, represented by Timiyeyin Ayodele-Ozoya, highlighted the role of the State Social Register in social safety programs.
“This register serves as a single, unified database for targeting and implementing interventions for the poor and vulnerable,” she noted.
The training program was jointly organized by the Benue State Government, through the State Operation Coordinating Unit and the Budget and Economic Planning Commission, in collaboration with NASSCO and the National Identity Management Commission.
