The Federal Government has integrated technology for the efficient distribution of monthly social benefits to Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens, according to Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance.
The Finance Minister revealed this during a high-level meeting of the Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme (SIP) convened by his Ministry in Abuja. The meeting focused on evaluating the progress of policies aimed at uplifting vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
The Minister emphasised the need to “identify the most vulnerable individuals and ensure they receive their benefits promptly and securely through digital means,” according to a statement by the Ministry.
A key highlight of the meeting was the second round of payments to one million verified recipients of the monthly benefit under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programme.
The meeting highlights the critical role of technology in ensuring the effective delivery of social benefits across Nigeria.
By incorporating digital means, Edun said that the government aims to streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance transparency in distributing aid to vulnerable populations.
The Minister also proposed that the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) partners with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment, to streamline the identification process and enhance the reach and accuracy of the programme.
The collaboration between NASSCO and NIMC for NIN enrollment is also necessary to improve beneficiaries’ identification accuracy and efficiency. This approach aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It demonstrates how technological integration is key to fostering social change, increasing the programme’s reach, and ensuring that resources are distributed promptly and securely.
Edun also hinted at the planned development of a new communication strategy to expand the programme’s outreach in the country while noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was committed “to ensuring a successful delivery of social investment programmes efficiently and transparently.”
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