Nigeria has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign for the activation and implementation of a Local Government Proof of Address (POA) system aimed at enhancing security, strengthening governance, and improving service delivery across the country’s 774 local government areas.
The announcement was made at a one-day Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Programme for Northern Geopolitical Stakeholders, held in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“The POA initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to tackling the nation’s key challenges while laying the foundation for a safer, more efficient and prosperous Nigeria,” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, says in a statement seen by Technology Times. “It represents crucial step towards strengthening governance, enhancing security and improving efficient service delivery at the grassroots levels.”
The POA initiative is designed to serve as foundational infrastructure for national identity and address-linked services, such as National Identification Numbers (NINs), voter cards, passports, utility bills, and other credentials that require proof of residence.
Akume, who was represented by Engr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, says the Proof of Address system is designed to provide every resident with a verifiable and secure address.
He says the system will serve as “an essential tool integrated into administrative processes in both the public and private sectors to curb various societal vices and provide a safer environment for all citizens.”
POA to support identity infrastructure and public service delivery
The POA initiative is designed to serve as foundational infrastructure for national identity and address-linked services, such as National Identification Numbers (NINs), voter cards, passports, utility bills, and other credentials that require proof of residence.
In his remarks, Engr. Bello Lawal, National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), calls for broad support for the address system rollout. Represented by Simon Akala, his Special Adviser and former Chairman of Karu LGA, Lawal says the effectiveness of the POA system depends on accurate and systematic street naming and numbering.
“When the street naming and numbering are carried out diligently and linked to a centralised POA database, it will serve as a critical infrastructure for financial inclusion, delivery of national identity cards, voter cards, passports, NINS, utility bills, and other address-linked credentials,” he says in the statement.
He urges traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and local government officials to “commit themselves toward the actualization of the national cause.”
NIPOST, ALGON to align street names and postcodes for national address verification rollout
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), which is mandated to develop and manage Nigeria’s national addressing system, says it is collaborating with ALGON to ensure alignment of street name data with postal codes.
Tola Adeyemi, Postmaster General of NIPOST, says that the agency “has a mandate to develop a national address system and a digital post code that will help in effective service delivery.” Represented by Mrs. Rose Ismaila, Adeyemi adds that NIPOST is working to ensure that all buildings in Nigeria are assigned a Digital Alpha Numeric Postcode System “for easy identification.”
The World Bank’s 2021 Digital Identification for Development report identifies lack of reliable address documentation as a major barrier to accessing services in Nigeria. The report notes that effective address systems are essential for inclusive digital transformation, financial access, and targeted public programmes.
Home
