
The National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office NASSCO announced that more than 12.3 million Nigerians have been linked to the National Social Register NSR using their National Identification Numbers NINs. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and credibility in social intervention programs. Dr. Funmi Olotu, National Coordinator of NASSCO, shared this during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja, emphasizing that integrating NINs into the NSR improves data integrity, eliminates duplication, and ensures interventions reach the intended beneficiaries. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to build a more accountable social protection system. The NSR currently covers over 20 million households and more than 77 million individuals across Nigeria. Olotu noted significant progress, with over 9.7 million household records updated and 11.5 million NINs successfully validated across 37 states and 774 Local Government Areas. She stressed the critical role of local governments in the successful implementation of these programs due to their proximity to communities. Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, highlighted the NSR as a key pillar in Nigeria’s poverty reduction efforts. He warned that without full NIN integration, many vulnerable Nigerians risk exclusion from government interventions and underscored the importance of local government authorities in ensuring the program's credibility an
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Former President Donald Trump stated in an interview that he would not pay the over $1,000 ticket price for the United States' first World Cup match. Trump, who takes credit for securing the World Cup for the United States, expressed disappointment that high costs might prevent lower-income Americans, including his supporters, from attending. US lawmakers and international fan groups have criticized FIFA's pricing structure, with Football Supporters Europe calling it a "monumental betrayal." FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the governing body's stance, citing US laws allowing ticket resales at inflated prices and noting over 500 million ticket requests for 2026. Infantino also mentioned that 25% of group phase tickets are priced under $300. In contrast to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where the most expensive final ticket was around $1,600, the 2026 final ticket is approximately $11,000.
Must ReadA recent windstorm has caused widespread destruction across several local government areas in Niger State, Nigeria, impacting over 1,000 houses and displacing numerous residents. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA reported that Mokwa, Bida, Lavun, Katcha, Gbako, and Mariga Local Government Areas were affected. Preliminary assessments indicate significant damage in communities within Mokwa LGA, including Sawmill, Kpege Wayata, Kpege, Station Girigi, Efu Shaba Lile, Tifin Madza, Yafu, Etisheshi, Hakimi Aliyu, and Nasfat areas. In Bida LGA, affected wards include Cheniyan, Nasarafu, Bariki, Kyari, Dokoza, Masaga A, and Masaga B. Additionally, over 100 houses were destroyed in Durgu Community, Bobi Ward of Mariga LGA. NSEMA, led by Director General Abdullahi Baba-Arah, is collaborating with relevant stakeholders and local government authorities to conduct detailed assessments to determine the full extent of the damages and the humanitarian needs of the affected victims.
Must ReadThe Federal Government has congratulated Nigerian international legal expert, Taoheed Elias, on his election to the United Nations International Law Commission during its 77th session in Geneva. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that this election recognizes Nigeria's contributions to international law and multilateral diplomacy. Elias secured the position in a competitive election, filling a vacancy left by Kenya's representative, Professor Phoebe Okowa, and competing against candidates from Ghana and Botswana. Elias brings extensive experience to the commission, having previously served as Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals with the rank of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General. His past roles also include Legal Adviser and Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal, and Legal Adviser at the United Nations Compensation Commission. The International Law Commission, established in 1947, is tasked with the progressive development and codification of international law, covering areas such as state responsibility, international agreements, immunity, dispute settlement, and piracy. The Federal Government expressed confidence that Elias will use his expertise to advance the commission's work and foster international cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
Must ReadFormer Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, emphasized the critical role of building public trust for business leaders and public institutions to safeguard against reputational damage and operational crises. Speaking at the University of Abuja, Mohammed stated that organizations failing to invest in credibility before a crisis often become overwhelmed when pressure mounts. He highlighted communication as a central pillar of leadership, not merely a supporting function, asserting that reputational stability relies on consistent trust cultivation. Mohammed, drawing on his experience during national challenges like insurgency, the COVID-19 pandemic, and civil unrest, argued that effective crisis response begins long before an emergency. He stressed that trust cannot be manufactured during a crisis, describing it as the "infrastructure upon which all communication rests." He outlined six principles for institutions to avoid reputational damage: building trust early, prioritizing action over claims, recognizing credible messengers, monitoring developments in real-time, actively countering misinformation, and clearly explaining decisions. Mohammed noted that verification, such as media tours of liberated communities, is more influential than official statements. He also warned that misinformation has become a significant business risk in the digital age, not just a political problem. He concluded that institutions proactively building trust are better equipped to with