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The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the Strategic Profiling, Identification and Validation of Vulnerable Persons in Zamfara State as part of efforts to ensure social protection interventions reach genuine beneficiaries.
The exercise is being implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, through its Grant for Vulnerable Groups, GVG, Programme.
This was contained in a press release by the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, signed by Attari M. Hope, ANIPR, FCAI, Deputy Director and Head, Press and Public Relations, on Tuesday, 13th October, 2026.
The flag-off was announced during a courtesy visit by the National Programme Manager, GVG, Hajiya Ashiat Alubankudi and her team to the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare in Gusau.
Hajiya Alubankudi told the Governor that the exercise is aimed at establishing a credible, verified database of vulnerable persons across selected communities, wards and IDP camps.
“We are not here simply to collect names. We want to establish a credible and verified database of vulnerable persons, understand their circumstances and ensure that the intervention is based on genuine need,” she said.
She disclosed that about 400 pre-identified vulnerable persons would receive N10,000 each as immediate support, while the main empowerment phase — involving distribution of livelihood and economic strengthening items would commence within some months, subject to approvals.
“Our intention is not merely to provide temporary assistance, but to support vulnerable persons, strengthen their livelihoods, improve their economic resilience and make them self-reliant,” she added.
Also speaking, the State Programme Manager, Zamfara Grant for Vulnerable Groups, Z-GVG, Hauwa’u Barau Suleiman, said the state government is developing Z-GVG into a sustainable social protection programme targeting vulnerable women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly and conflict-affected households, combining social protection with skills development and economic inclusion.
In his response, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare welcomed the initiative and declared his administration’s full support for the exercise.
The Governor stressed two key points: Data is key to any development. He noted that without credible data, no government can plan or deliver meaningful development. He described the profiling exercise as a critical foundation for effective social protection programming in Zamfara.
Also, the Governor said that transparency is non-negotiable, insisting that for the initiative to be meaningful, it must get to the targeted beneficiaries. He called for transparency and accountability at all levels of implementation to ensure that the truly vulnerable persons are not shortchanged.
The Governor assured NSIPA of the full collaboration of the state government, local government authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders to ensure the success of the exercise.
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