By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has unveiled a nationwide digital postcode system aimed at strengthening national security, reducing fraud, improving emergency response, and boosting e-commerce.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed the initiative during a workshop at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, noting that every building in Nigeria, including those in rural areas, will be assigned a unique digital address.
The system is designed to provide a permanent digital footprint for individuals, businesses, and public institutions, addressing long-standing challenges linked to unreliable addressing across the country.
The first phase of deployment is set for October, with plans to extend coverage to multiple states before the end of the year. Tijani stated that the project is a core national infrastructure initiative backed by the Federal Government and not a pilot programme.
He said the system aligns with ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, including 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable and 3,700 telecommunications towers.
Current gaps in address identification have been identified as a major constraint to crime investigation and identity verification, even when basic identifiers such as names or Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) are available.
Major General Adamu Laka, representing National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, said the system would enhance decision-making in policing, border security, and disaster management, stressing the importance of precision and timing in public safety operations.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the Postmaster-General and Chief Executive Officer (PG/CEO) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Ms Tola Odeyemi, said inefficient deliveries currently cost the economy between N50 billion and N80 billion annually.
She added that the system will reduce operational costs for businesses, while citizens will be able to access digital addresses through mobile applications, web platforms, and USSD services, with AI-assisted routing expected to support delivery planning.
Odeyemi also said data protection safeguards will be implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, with access restricted on a need-to-know basis.
Ahead of the rollout, the government plans nationwide sensitisation campaigns targeting communities, technology firms, and public institutions.
The FG also said the initiative follows Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval of a GIS-enabled alphanumeric digital postcode system in March 2026.
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