By Nkechi Eze
In a move aimed at deepening governance at the grassroots and improving national security architecture, the Federal Government has officially launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign for the activation and implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address (POA) System.
The sensitisation campaign, which kicked off with a one-day Northern Geopolitical Stakeholders’ Meeting, marks a strategic step toward actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), is expected to enhance service delivery, citizen identification, and policy implementation in the country’s 774 local government areas.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, disclosed in a signed statement that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, while declaring the event open, emphasized that the POA system is a necessary tool for tackling insecurity and promoting effective governance. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, Senator Akume described the initiative as a vital infrastructure that would provide every resident with a verifiable and secure address.
“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,” he stated.
The system, once fully operational, will be integrated into both public and private administrative processes and help combat fraud, criminality, and poor service delivery. It is also expected to play a critical role in the issuance and management of key national identity documents, including passports, voter cards, national identity numbers, and utility bills.
Speaking on behalf of ALGON, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal, represented by Simon Akala, said proper street naming and house numbering, linked to a central POA database, would accelerate financial inclusion and citizen access to key services. He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and local government officials to play active roles in driving the project’s success.
The Postmaster General of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Tola Adeyemi, represented by Mrs. Rose Ismaila, reiterated the agency’s commitment to deploying a Digital Alpha-Numeric Postcode System. She noted that NIPOST, which is legally mandated to develop and manage the national address system, is working closely with ALGON to align street naming datasets with digital postcodes.
The implementation of the POA system is viewed as a transformative development in Nigeria’s address infrastructure, laying the groundwork for increased accountability, safety, and reliable delivery of public services across all regions.
