General News
Lagos Commences Integration of NIN with State Single Social Register
Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring that the Lagos State Single Social Register is updated and integrated with individuals’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) to enhance the effectiveness of social protection programmes in the state and in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
This was stated by Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, permanent secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Lagos state.
Ojo disclosed this at a forum tagged: “Unified for Impact,” organised by the Ministry, through the Social Protection Coordinating Department, to sensitize stakeholders from various sectors, including selected Heads of Departments and Community Development Council Chairmen from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of the state, to provide them with a deeper understanding of the numerous benefits associated with enhancing the Single Social Register through seamless integration.
According to Ojo, “The Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) has become the cornerstone for our social intervention programmes, helping to ensure that support reaches those who need it the most.
However, we recognize that the full potential of LASSR can only be unlocked when it is linked with the National Identification Number (NIN).”
She added, “We need your support today; let us reflect on our collective progress, share ideas, identify gaps, and build synergy that will strengthen our coordination and level of impact in Lagos State, ensuring that nobody is left behind.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of leveraging data-driven innovation to build a more equitable and responsive system for all residents of Lagos.
Also speaking at the forum, Dr. Funmilola Olotu, national coordinator, National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office, noted that as part of its efforts to cater to the needs of the citizenry, the Presidency recognizes that linking the National Social Register with NIN would be of great impact and has cascaded it to every state in the Federation.
Olotu reiterated the President’s commitment to delivering dividends of democracy, saying, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is passionate about integrating NIN with the National Social Register to strengthen credibility and accountability, as well as ensure that all vulnerable individuals in the nation are well-catered for.”
Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, permanent secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, and Mrs. ‘Jibike Onigbanjo, permanent secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, commended the department’s work so far and emphasised the importance of the Social Register in the planning and execution of government intervention. T
hey encouraged stakeholders to cascade the importance to their various communities as a matter of urgency.
In the same vein, Mrs. Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji, director of Social Protection Coordinating Department, in her presentation, explained how the data collated from the Lagos State Single Social Register serves as the bedrock of the social intervention architecture of the state.
The Director expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their role in reaching the grassroots level and encouraged them to continuously ensure everyone in need is covered.
She said, “We appreciate the stakeholders’ efforts in reaching the grassroots level and urge them to work more closely with us to ensure that no one is left behind, according to the developmental pillars of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration, THEMES Plus.”
She added, “This Social Register helps the right intervention get to the right people, ensuring social justice, equity, and protection for citizens of Lagos State”.
Garbadeen-Adedeji appealed to the stakeholders present to ensure that the provisions made for vulnerable people by the government make an impact so that everyone can enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The Director appealed that beyond the stakeholder’s forum, each member of the community should spread the word about the benefits inherent in updating the Lagos State Single social register.
“This is a call to action for the entire community to ensure that no one is left behind, as Lagos residents we can contribute to the success of the register update initiative by sensitizing our community members on the benefit, let us ensure this is a case of all for one and one for all,” she emphasised.
Following the event, the department’s team visited the Kosofe Local Government, where they conducted sensitization, addressed field officers’ challenges, and engaged with residents to encourage their participation in the update process. They also visited the palace of the Traditional Ruler of the Area, Chief Surajudeen Lasisi, where they canvassed for support.
The Traditional Ruler promised to use his influence to ensure that the people in his constituency are sensitized and embrace the update of the register.
One of the stakeholders present at the forum, Mr. Balogun Tejumade, chairman of Olubori Community Development Association (CDA), commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative, saying, “We commend the Lagos State Government for this initiative, which will enhance social protection programmes and improve the lives of our residents.
The Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) is a database of Heads and Members of Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHS).
The Lagos State Single Social Register update and Integration with the National Identification Number (NIN) kicked off on Wednesday, 9th April 2025, in the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.
Breathe Life Foundation partnered with Teach Nigeria Fellow, Ms Bunmi Rotimi, to deliver a respiratory health awareness session for over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos.
The session equipped students aged 15–19 years with practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha, while challenging the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.
Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.
They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.
The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education. By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the Foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.
Breathe Life Foundation is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.
Nigeria’s technology retail landscape reached another significant milestone on Monday, August 3, 2026, as global technology giant ASUS, in partnership with Konga, officially commissioned its first flagship experience store in West Africa.
Strategically located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; the heartbeat of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in customer experience, product accessibility, and digital innovation.
The launch also reinforces Konga’s growing reputation as a preferred gateway for leading global technology brands into the Nigerian market.
The landmark event attracted Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who officially commissioned the store.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer of Konga, Dave Omoregie; VP Omni-channel & Commercial Planning, Melvin Onochie; and Head of Marketing and Communications at Konga Group, Victor Oluwaleye.
The ASUS team was led by E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, alongside Business Development Manager, Sunnie Chen; Sales Manager, Mohammed Kazim; Gaming Product Manager, Joy Chen; Marketing Manager, Adeola Odeleye; and Sales Specialist, Williams Okenna.
The Honourable Minister described the facility as a defining achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that it is far more than the opening of a retail outlet.
He called it a strong vote of confidence by a global technology brand in Nigeria’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem and the immense potential of its market.
He noted that his presence underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing such partnerships as essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.
The Minister paid tribute to Leo Stan Ekeh, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He announced that Ekeh had recently agreed to champion the Federal Government’s Youth and Students in Innovation initiative, a flagship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial and technology skills.
According to him, Ekeh’s decades of visionary entrepreneurship have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technology ecosystem and attracting prominent technology companies into the Nigerian market.
Using the occasion to address the international business community, the Minister encouraged global investors and brands to look beyond establishing commercial operations in Nigeria and actively partner with the government in driving national development.
He assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that safeguards investments and delivers sustainable returns.
Speaking at the event, ASUS E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, expressed appreciation to partners, government representatives, and customers for their support.
He explained that the flagship store was conceived to provide consumers with direct access to authentic ASUS products, and expressed confidence that the partnership with Konga will further accelerate the brand’s growth and strengthen customer engagement in the region.
The experience centre features dedicated sections showcasing ASUS’ complete portfolio of premium laptops, gaming devices, AI-powered PCs, and cutting-edge innovations. A standout attraction is an interactive digital display that allows visitors to explore ASUS’ latest technologies virtually before making purchase decisions, creating a more engaging and informed customer journey. Plus, every ASUS device purchased through the flagship store or online on Konga comes with a special one-year replacement warranty at no extra cost.
In his remark, Chief Operating Officer of Konga Group, Dave Omoregie, said the flagship store reflects Konga’s deliberate strategy to give Nigerian consumers a seamless blend of online and offline retail.
He noted that Konga’s logistics network, payment infrastructure, and nationwide retail footprint uniquely position the company to support global brands like ASUS at scale, while ensuring customers enjoy authentic products backed by reliable after-sales service.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when world-class technology brands trust Nigerian platforms to deliver exceptional experiences, adding that Konga remains committed to setting the operational standard for authentic technology retail across the country.
The launch further reinforces the enduring partnership between ASUS and Konga, built on shared values of innovation, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
It also highlights Konga’s continued evolution beyond traditional e-commerce into a comprehensive omnichannel technology ecosystem that combines online convenience with physical retail experiences.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the new ASUS Flagship Experience Store represents more than a retail outlet; it is a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s technology market. It highlights Konga’s commitment to bridging the gap between global technology brands and Nigerian consumers. With its robust logistics infrastructure, digital payment solutions, and nationwide physical retail presence, Konga continues to set the standard for authentic, accessible, and reliable technology retail across Africa.
The flagship store opening featured guided product demonstrations, immersive technology experiences, exclusive launch-day offers and customer engagement activities celebrating this historic milestone.
Customers can begin shopping immediately at the ASUS Flagship Experience Store, located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. Visitors can explore authentic ASUS products, experience live product demonstrations, receive expert guidance, and access dedicated Starlink customer-support services.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice; Olatunji Rilwan Disu, inspector-general of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP, the organisation urged the government to ensure that anyone implicated in the report is prosecuted and that all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition are recovered.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
SERAP described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust.
“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, and poor storage of weapons.
“The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to SERAP, the alleged diversion of funds meant for policing and the reported irregularities have weakened the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The organisation said the Auditor-General’s report documented several alleged financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
“The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”SERAP further cited allegations of missing firearms and ammunition, failures to properly account for recovered weapons and exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms.
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no response is received.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP also argued that the allegations, if left unaddressed, would violate constitutional provisions requiring the government to combat corruption and safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Among the specific findings cited from the Auditor-General’s report were allegations of payments for abandoned and unexecuted police projects worth hundreds of millions of naira, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, irregular procurement processes, unsettled insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million, over ₦1 billion in uncleared insurance policy liabilities, missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits, and contracts allegedly awarded without due diligence by the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
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