FG plans ‘Proof of Address’ to check strangers’ influx
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 addressing insecurity and enhancing governance nationwide.
The initiative, which will be rolled out across all 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 region held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, on Monday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the initiative as a crucial step toward 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,” he said.
“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.
“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.
The National Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Bello Lawal, who was represented by the Secretary of the Lagos State ALGON chapter, Razak Ajala, emphasised the importance of the PoA 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,” Lawal stated.
“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 PoA will support effective planning, financial inclusion, and overall economic growth.”
In an interview with The PUNCH, Ondo State ALGON Chairman, Donald Fasua, stressed the need for local governments to have a clear record of residents in their communities.
“What we had today at the South-West ALGON meeting was a discussion on Proof of Address. There are so many people in our localities, and we should know them,” said Fasua, who also serves as the Chairman of Akure South Local Government.
“People move in and out of our communities, and this raises security concerns. We must keep track of the number of people residing in our areas.
“If you look at Germany, for example, as soon as you move into a place, your residence is recorded. Whether a building houses 50 people or five, the authorities must know who is there.
“We need to monitor the influx of people. The Proof of Address system will enable us to trace individuals and improve security. There are many benefits to this initiative, including better oversight of local government activities.”
The Federal Government believes the Proof of Address System will play a vital role in tackling insecurity, streamlining governance, and fostering economic growth by providing accurate population data across communities.
