FG Launches Digital Address System to Boost Economy

On August 25, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced plans to create a unified digital addressing system that will integrate identity, business, and property information. This initiative, ratified by the National Addressing Council (NAC) chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting in Abuja, aims to improve economic planning, financial inclusion, security, and public service delivery.

The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation will act as the secretariat for the NAC, coordinating technical implementation and interoperability standards. The system seeks to resolve challenges related to identifying and locating individuals and businesses, especially in areas lacking formal addresses.

Shettima emphasized the importance of linking verified identities to addresses for enhancing financial inclusion and emergency response. Various agencies will have specific roles: NIMC will handle identity verification, the Corporate Affairs Commission will verify business addresses, and NIPOST will manage postcode administration.

Other institutions, including NITDA and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, will also contribute to the project.