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FG launches LGs proof of address system to enhance national security and economic planning
Federal Government of Nigeria is set to implement a Local Government Proof of Address System (POA) across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), an initiative aimed at strengthening national security and improving economic planning.
The announcement was made by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during a stakeholder meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System is expected to have far-reaching implications for national security, economic prosperity, and social development across Nigeria. By providing a reliable framework for address verification, the government aims to enhance its capabilities in resource allocation and policy implementation while fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
According to a statement Director, Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the SGF emphasised that the POA will provide Nigerians with a verifiable and secure address, which is crucial for both public and private sector administrative processes.
“This initiative is not just about addresses; it’s about creating a framework that enhances security and improves governance,” he stated.
He explained that the system will enable law enforcement agencies to maintain a comprehensive database of verifiable addresses, thereby facilitating the tracking of criminal activities and mitigating social vices.
“The implementation of this system will empower law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to combat crime effectively,” Akume added. “With accurate address data, we can better allocate resources and implement policies that foster development in our local communities.”
Akume urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the Proof of Address certificate from LGAs as a requirement for establishing reliable and verifiable addresses. “This initiative is an embodiment of hope, a symbol of progress, and a testament to our administration’s dedication to creating a better Nigeria for all,” he asserted.
National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bello Lawal, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Akala Samuel, expressed strong support for the initiative. “The Proof of Address System will lay a solid foundation for improved governance, planning, and service delivery across Nigeria,” Lawal stated.
He highlighted that having verifiable addresses will enhance the ability of agencies like the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security Service to gather accurate data for intelligence purposes, ultimately contributing to greater security at the grassroots level.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, who was represented by Dominik Mueller, Police Liaison Officer at the German Embassy, praised Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the POA initiative and suggested that lessons could be learned from successful models like Lagos State’s Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA). “A robust database will not only assist law enforcement but also support other critical government functions such as electoral management and population data collection,” he noted.
Daily Sun