The Federal Government has concluded arrangements for the implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System (POA) across the 774 Local Government Areas in a bid to boost national security, economic planning and strengthen the nation’s national identity management.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, made the disclosure at a stakeholders meeting for the activation and implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System.
The meeting had in attendance some key stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and a representative from the German Embassy in Abuja.
The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, in the Office of the SGF, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, said the POA would provide Nigerians with a verifiable and secure address, which would form an integral part of all administrative processes in both the public and private sectors.
According to Akume, when the initiative is fully implemented across the country, law enforcement agencies will have a robust database of verifiable addresses of Nigerians to enable them to track and mitigate criminal activities and social vices.
He added that it will also bring development to the LGAs in allocating resources and implementing policies, as well as reducing risk in lending, delivery services, and commerce.
He advised all MDAs to adopt the use of the Proof of Address certificate from the LGAs as a requirement to establish reliable and verifiable address, assuring that the Proof of Address Initiative is an embodiment of hope, a symbol of progress, and a testament to the dedication of this administration to creating a better Nigeria for all.
Speaking earlier, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Bello Lawal, represented by his Special Assistant and former Chairman, Karu LGA, Hon. Akala Samuel, assured that the POA will provide a verifiable address for Nigerians, which would lay a foundation for improved governance, planning, and service delivery, and will in turn contribute to greater security, economic prosperity, and social development across the nation.
He added that the employment of the initiative will equip agencies like the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Security Service, and other law enforcement agencies to gather accurate data for intelligence to stem insecurity at the grassroots.
In his goodwill message, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Annett Gunther, represented by Police Liaison Officer (CID), German Embassy, Dominik Mueller, said Nigeria is on course towards the implementation of the POA initiatives.
He added that the Federal Government should take a cue from the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) of Lagos State to ensure a robust database that will assist the military, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Population Commission (NPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among others.
