The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced a comprehensive Proof of Address (POA) scheme across all 774 local government areas, as part of a broader plan to tackle insecurity, improve public administration, and expand access to essential services.
The launch, held during a high-level sensitisation workshop for stakeholders from northern Nigeria, marks a significant step under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation—represented by Engr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary of Political and Economic Affairs—said the POA scheme will serve as a foundational tool for national planning, identity management, and security coordination.
“It is impossible to govern effectively or respond to threats without a system that can track and verify where people live,” Akume stated in a message. “The POA database will bridge that gap, providing a secure, unified system for everything from national ID registration to passport issuance and voter enrolment.”
Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the SGF’s office, added that the POA project will also support Nigeria’s ambitions in digital transformation and financial inclusion by allowing residents to prove their address when accessing public or banking services.
Addressing participants, Simon Akala, speaking for ALGON President Hon. Bello Lawal, stressed the importance of integrating POA with organised street naming and property numbering.
“The ability to trace locations with precision will revolutionise how services are delivered in rural and urban areas alike,” Akala said. He called on community heads, traditional institutions, and grassroots groups to ensure seamless implementation.
Representing the Nigerian Postal Service, Mrs. Rose Ismaila confirmed the postal authority’s plan to deploy a Digital Alpha-Numeric Postcode System, in collaboration with ALGON, to link all addresses to a unique national framework.
“This is about building a modern addressing system that not only supports security but also enables business, logistics, and civic engagement,” she said.
The POA campaign is set to be rolled out nationwide over the coming months, positioning it as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s push for accountable, transparent, and decentralised governance.
