The Kano State Government has registered more than 7 million vulnerable individuals in its social protection database, a major milestone aimed at enhancing poverty alleviation efforts and ensuring equitable distribution of support across the state.
This was disclosed by Abdulmumin Ajumawa, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Budget and Chairman of the Technical Working Group on Social Protection, during a policy review meeting on the state’s social protection strategy.
Ajumawa explained that the individuals were drawn from 1.7 million households across all 44 local government areas of the state.
He described the register as a non-political, reliable tool that government agencies, donors, and NGOs can use to deliver interventions fairly and efficiently.
“The register began in the 15 poorest LGAs using World Bank criteria and has since expanded statewide. Today, we have enrolled over 7 million individuals,” he said.
He noted that the register is undergoing a validation process to ensure accountability.
This includes verifying whether beneficiaries are alive, confirming their phone numbers and bank accounts, and integrating their records with their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
“This exercise is critical. Previously, unverified cash transfers resulted in dormant funds. Proper validation will close such loopholes,” Ajumawa added.
He also stated that the ongoing review of the state’s social protection policy is necessary due to new developments under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.
These include the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the establishment of the Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA).
“The policy, first approved five years ago, must reflect current realities, emerging gaps, and new programmes,” he said.
Director-General of KASPA, Fatima Abdullahi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, including women and children.
She also expressed readiness to partner with stakeholders to improve the delivery of social services.
The two-day policy review meeting was convened by the Ministry of Planning and Budget with support from UNICEF’s Kano Field Office.
