Lagos launches digital house-numbering system
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has officially launched the Lagos Identity Project, a smart digital house-numbering scheme aimed at transforming property identification and enhancing public service delivery across the state.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday in Alausa by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Enterprise Geographic Information System (e-GIS), Dr Olajide Babajide. He explained that the innovative system is designed to address long-standing challenges such as untraceable addresses, tax evasion, and inefficient urban planning.
In a statement released during the unveiling, Dr Babajide announced that the new address plates, equipped with QR codes and local government-specific colour identifiers, would serve as essential tools for emergency responders, utility providers, and government agencies.
“This project is about delivering world-class infrastructure to Lagosians. We’ve had persistent problems with address traceability and tax evasion. This digital solution is designed to solve those issues comprehensively,” he stated.
The new address system, developed in collaboration with Interspatial after two years of aerial mapping, is set to support rental verification, emergency services, postal logistics, infrastructure development, and data-informed policy-making.
Dr Babajide added that scanning the QR code affixed to a building would provide instant access to verified property details, reducing the prevalence of address fraud and promoting transparent urban governance.
“This is more than a project; it’s a legacy initiative. It aligns with international standards in digital administration and upholds global norms in civic data protection,” he said.
He further linked the project to Lagos State’s long-standing digital legacy, tracing back to the establishment of the state's data centre during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That initiative earned Lagos international recognition, including commendations from the World Bank.
The pilot phase is currently underway in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, with plans to scale up the project across all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
Dr Babajide acknowledged the significant financial investment required for the rollout, noting that high-tech initiatives of this nature demand strong political will and sustained funding.
Yinka Adesiyan, a co-sponsor and technical partner, described the Lagos Identity Project as a tool for strengthening the city’s resilience, transparency, and data accuracy. He said it would also support Know Your Customer (KYC) verification processes and infrastructure planning.
“This initiative goes far beyond assigning house numbers. It is about making Lagos safer, smarter, and more accountable,” Adesiyan remarked.
The implementation phase is being handled by trained Ibile Youth, ensuring community engagement and precision in data collection.
Officials confirmed that the Lagos Identity Project is a key component of the state’s broader Smart City strategy, aimed at positioning Lagos as a digitally advanced, globally competitive metropolis.