The Federal Government has introduced a new Proof of Address (POA) system to be implemented in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria. The system aims to boost national security, improve public services, and help with better planning.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced the initiative on Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting with stakeholders from the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions. He was represented by Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs.
“This initiative is designed to provide every resident with a verifiable and secure address. It will be integrated into public and private sector processes,” Gagare said.
He explained that the POA system will help the government know where people live, making it easier to plan services, respond to emergencies, and fight crime.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to solve Nigeria’s key challenges.
ALGON President, Mr. Bello Lawal, welcomed the plan and called it a major step toward improving local governance and national safety.
Lawal said, “This meeting is timely and important for grassroots development and national security. In many villages and towns, homes do not have proper addresses. This makes it hard for people to get services or for police to track criminals.”
Also Read:
- Obi Condemns Enugu Attacks, Calls for Urgent Security for Farmers
- Police Question Adefarasin Over Viral Video of ‘Gun-Like Object’
Lawal added that many local governments have long neglected street naming and house numbering, which are important for organising communities and providing services.
He said the POA system would change that by giving formal addresses to homes, businesses, and public buildings across the country.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Rose Mibwala, General Manager for Postcode and Addressing System at NIPOST, said the new address system is not just about mail delivery anymore.
“For NIPOST, addressing is now a part of digital identity, financial inclusion, and national security,” she said. “We are proud to work with ALGON to bring this system into every local government.”
The Federal Government says it has already held earlier meetings with other stakeholders and shared key resolutions with state governments. Officials say the project will begin in the northern regions before expanding to the rest of the country.