The Nigerian Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, says the government is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to identify poor Nigerians living in urban slums.

 

Yilwatda, highlighted significant advancements in the government’s approach to poverty alleviation during a recent appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time.

He emphasized that the Nigerian government is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to effectively identify and assist impoverished Nigerians residing in urban slums, a demographic that has traditionally been underrepresented in social support programs.

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During the interview on Friday, Yilwatda revealed that the integration of AI technology has been transformative in expanding the national social register, which has seen an increase from 13 million to an impressive 19.7 million individuals. This expansion is particularly notable as it shifts the focus from rural communities, which have predominantly been the focus of welfare programs, to include those living in urban poverty.

 

“To assist people, you need to identify them first. That’s why we began by validating and expanding the social register,” Yilwatda stated, highlighting the foundational importance of accurate data for effective intervention.

 

Under the directive of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government has undertaken a concerted effort to ensure that the social register is more inclusive. Yilwatda elaborated on the innovative methods employed to achieve this, including the use of satellite imagery to create detailed maps of urban slums. Following this, the government analyzed telecom base station data to gather information on phone numbers in these low-income areas, thus establishing a connection with residents.

 

The application of AI was a crucial step in the verification process, as it enabled officials to evaluate individuals based on various parameters, such as their financial access and other socio-economic indicators. This modern approach not only increases the speed and accuracy of identifying those in need but also ensures that assistance is targeted effectively.

In line with Nigeria’s ambitious poverty reduction agenda, Yilwatda revealed that the federal government is aiming to reach approximately 15 million households, which translates to around 75 million people when considering the average household size of five. “Nigeria has about 43 million households. By targeting 15 million, and using an average household size of five, we estimate reaching around 75 million individuals,” he explained.

 

This initiative is part of broader efforts to combat poverty in Nigeria, where millions of citizens struggle with limited access to essential services and resources. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven strategies, the government hopes to create a more comprehensive and effective framework for social assistance, ultimately striving to uplift the most vulnerable populations and promote inclusive growth.

 

The minister’s comments come at a pivotal moment as Nigeria grapples with significant economic challenges. With ongoing discussions around social development and economic resilience, the integration of technology into humanitarian efforts could prove to be a game-changer in the fight against poverty in urban areas.

As AI continues to shape various sectors, its role in addressing social disparities is increasingly recognized as a vital component of national development strategies.