ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT, SOCU, NASSCO, AND NIMC CONDUCT TRAINING ON NIN INTEGRATION INTO THE STATE SOCIAL REGISTER

The Enugu State Government, through its State Operations and Coordinating Unit (SOCU) under the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), conducted a three-day training program from March 17th to 19th, 2025. The program aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to integrate the National Identity Number (NIN) into the social register in Enugu State.

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This collaborative effort between SOCU, NASSCO, and NIMC is designed to enhance the identification and delivery of social support to vulnerable populations within Enugu State. A critical aspect of this initiative is the integration of the NIN into the state’s social register. This comprehensive training program aimed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively carry out these vital tasks, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of social safety net programs.

The training session was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Chief Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze; and the State Coordinator of SOCU, Barr. (Mrs) Joyblossom Ogoamaka Eneh.

Other attendees included representative from the National Programme Manager of NASSCO, Miss Funmilayo Olotu, represented by Mr. Mahdi Mohammed Abubakar and Mr. Tijanni Salihu from the Monitoring and Evaluation team of NASSCO, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and local government areas of the state. Desk officers, enumerators, and GRO officers from the 17 local government areas in Enugu State also participated, along with other key participants involved in NIN integration training, data management, and technical teams responsible for implementing and maintaining the social register.

The State Coordinator of SOCU, Barr. (Mrs) Joyblossom Ogoamaka Eneh, provided a concise overview of the training’s purpose and agenda, highlighting the importance of SOCU and NIN integration for social development in Enugu State.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chief Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, delivered the welcome address, focusing on the practical aspects of NIN registration and its integration into the social register. He expressed appreciation to everyone and expressed hope that the exercise would enhance their skills for robust field data collection.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze, encouraged the participants, emphasizing the importance of focus, diligence, and professionalism in their duties. She urged the trainees to give their best effort in the field to ensure the program’s success.

A speech by the National Coordinator of NASSCO, Miss Funmilayo Olotu, was read by her representative, Mr. Mahdi Mohammed Abubakar. She expressed appreciation for everyone’s participation in the NIN integration training for the State Social Register (SSR). She urged the trainees to consistently gather accurate and efficient data using NIMC devices, ensuring they capture correct data and provide necessary support for those who need it most.

Mrs. Ajibo Martina, Head of Operations, provided a comprehensive introduction to the overall program, outlining its goals, objectives, and expected outcomes. The primary objectives of the training were to incorporate the NIN into the Social Register, enhance targeting of vulnerable groups, promote efficient service delivery, clearly define roles and responsibilities, equip participants with data collection and management skills, educate participants on the Grievance Redress Mechanism, and train participants on the usage of the tracking form system.

The training program covered various topics, including Management Information System (MIS), Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Tracking Form System, Gender and Social Inclusion, and Enrollment Module.

Participants were divided into specialized sections for hands-on practice, using Android devices for data collection and registration processes. This practical approach ensured that attendees could effectively utilize technology in the field, enhancing data collection efficiency and accuracy.

On the third day of the workshop, participants moved to the field for hands-on training on using the NIN machine offline and online for capturing. This training focused on the practical application of registration procedures, equipping participants with the skills needed for field data collection and verification processes.

However, field enumerators encountered several challenges during this process, including network connectivity issues, typographical errors, faulty machines, and community hesitance to provide personal information.

Proposed solutions and recommendations to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative include equipping field agents with offline data collection applications, providing comprehensive training sessions, engaging community leaders and stakeholders, replacing faulty devices, and fostering collaboration among government agencies, local leaders, and community members.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Mahdi Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the NASSCO team, expressed appreciation to everyone for their presence and active participation. The training program on NIN integration in Enugu State represents a significant step towards strengthening social safety net programs in the region.