The Federal Government has introduced a National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System aimed at making it easier to identify buildings, improve service delivery and expand access to economic opportunities across Nigeria.
The initiative was launched by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announcing the development on Thursday.
Under the new system, buildings across the country will be assigned unique 11-character digital postcodes, providing a more precise method of locating addresses.
Tijani said the system would support businesses in reaching customers outside their immediate areas, while also helping emergency responders and government agencies locate residents and deliver services more efficiently.
According to the minister, accurate location information can improve everything from delivery services and emergency response to the distribution of government programmes.
Tijani explained that the new digital system is different from Nigeria’s existing postcode arrangement, which largely identifies wider geographical areas.
The new codes are linked to a Geographic Information System (GIS) and provide a more detailed location reference covering the state or Federal Capital Territory, local government area, district, area and specific building.
He stressed that the postcode is assigned to a building rather than an individual and can be used together with an existing street address.
The code can also be provided to customers, delivery companies, visitors and other people who need to locate a particular building.
Tijani said the postcode system forms part of the digital infrastructure required to support President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of expanding Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion.
He said reliable location data would help create an environment where more Nigerians and businesses can participate in economic activities and access opportunities.
The minister encouraged Nigerians to search for their assigned postcodes through the official postcode platform and begin incorporating them into their addresses.
He also called on citizens, businesses and communities to provide feedback on the accessibility and usefulness of the system, saying such input would help improve the platform.
Tijani emphasised the broader purpose of the initiative, saying precise digital addressing would make it easier for Nigerians, businesses and government institutions to locate one another and connect with essential services.
