The federal government has announced plans to collaborate with state, and local governments, along with other stakeholders, to implement a proof of address system aimed at tackling security challenges at the community level.
The initiative, which will be rolled out across all the 774 local government areas, seeks to provide every resident with a verifiable and secure address.
It will also serve as an essential tool for administrative processes in both the public and private sectors.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting for the South-West, held at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, described the initiative as a crucial step towards strengthening governance, enhancing security, and improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
Akume, who was represented by Helen Gapriya, a director in his office, said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling security challenges, while laying the foundation for a safer and more prosperous nation.
“Our nation’s inability to fully identify addresses, and provide accurate data has compounded many problems, making it difficult to combat criminal activities, secure communities, and plan effectively for development during budget planning.
“In light of these challenges, the introduction of the proof of address system is not just timely, but necessary for strengthening our national identity management infrastructure.
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“This initiative will bolster national security, improve government planning, and foster a more orderly society. By enabling accurate identification, and location verification, it will help curb various societal vices, contributing to a safer and more structured environment for all.
“The local government proof of address system is a critical component of our efforts to strengthen the capacity of local governments to deliver essential services while reducing the reliance on physical documents,” he added.
National Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bello Lawal, who was represented by the Secretary of the Lagos State ALGON chapter, Razak Ajala, emphasised the importance of the system in boosting national security, financial inclusion, and economic growth.
“The proof of address system is not just another bureaucratic exercise, it is an integral part of the civil registration, and vital statistics ecosystem.
“It serves as a crucial pillar in national, and global data infrastructure, contributing meaningfully to our developmental goals. By providing verifiable proof of residence, the proof of address system will support effective planning, financial inclusion, and overall economic growth,” Lawal said.
