The Federal Government has continued its nationwide sensitisation efforts on the Proof of Address (POA) project, engaging stakeholders across different regions. The most recent in this series was the South-South Geopolitical Zone Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Meeting on the implementation and activation of the POA project, which took place at Bon Hotel, Garden City, Port Harcourt, on 13 March 2025.
The event was convened by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, represented by Mrs Helen Gapriya, Director of Political and Constitutional Matters. She emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing a nationwide address verification system across all 774 local government areas, ensuring that every resident is provided with a verifiable and secure address. The system is expected to serve as a crucial tool for administrative processes in both the public and private sectors.
She highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of addressing key national challenges and establishing a foundation for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria. She noted that the lack of an effective address verification system has long compounded issues such as crime, insecurity, and ineffective planning. The introduction of the Proof of Address system is, therefore, not only timely but also essential for strengthening national identity management infrastructure.
The initiative is designed to enhance national security, improve government planning, and contribute to a more structured and orderly society. By facilitating accurate identification and location verification, it is expected to help curb various social vices, ensuring a safer and more organised environment for all. The Local Government Proof of Address System is also set to boost the capacity of local governments, reduce reliance on physical documentation, and streamline administrative processes.
She acknowledged that while several sensitisation meetings have been conducted in other regions, the South-South sensitisation programme represents another crucial step in the nationwide campaign, with engagements in the remaining geopolitical zones scheduled to take place in the coming days.
However, on the suppoert for Association of Local Government, (ALGON) the National Chairman of this body, Mr Bello Lawal, was represented at the event by Mr Aniefiok Nkom, Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government, Akwa Ibom State. He reaffirmed ALGON’s support for the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing national security, facilitating financial inclusion, and promoting economic growth.
He explained that the Proof of Address System is a critical component of the civil registration and vital statistics ecosystem, serving as a key pillar in both national and global data infrastructure. By providing verifiable proof of residence, the system is expected to strengthen government planning, improve access to financial services, and contribute to broader economic development.
Commitment from State Representatives
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Rivers State, Dame Dr Itong Awani, emphasised the significance of the Proof of Address system in ensuring that all residents within the state have a verifiable address, which will enhance access to services and improve overall governance.
Similarly, Mr Claude Ujile, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Bureau, Office of the SSG, Bayelsa State, reiterated Bayelsa State’s commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders in the successful implementation of the project. He expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute meaningfully to governance, security, and economic development in the state and across the country.
The meeting concluded with a collective agreement among stakeholders on the importance of implementing the Proof of Address System as a necessary tool for national development. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting its rollout and ensuring its adoption at all levels of governance.
The Federal Government and ALGON remain confident that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the Proof of Address System will significantly enhance identity management, improve security, and optimise service delivery across Nigeria.
