Lagos inaugurates digital house numbering system

Etim Ekpimah

The state government has launched the Lagos Identity Project. This digital house-numbering scheme aims to improve property identification and enhance service delivery and urban planning across the state. This aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to transforming Lagos into a 21st-century economy.

Dr Babatunde, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on eGIS and Urban Development, said that the Lagos Identity Project is driven by Streamline Technologies Limited. It is in collaboration with the Lagos State Government. This project would greatly enhance property identification. It would also improve public service efficiency across the State.

The Lagos Identifier Project is part of the state’s broader THEMES+ agenda to harness technology and innovation for improved governance. The project begins in Ikeja and will eventually be expanded to include all 20 local governments. It will also accommodate 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

Babatunde said the digital plates with QR codes and local government colour codes would enhance emergency response. They will also improve postal services and urban planning efforts.

He urged residents to cooperate with field officers during the installation process. He also encouraged them to take ownership of the system as a tool for better service access, noting that it would enhance accountability.

“This project is about providing Lagosians with world-class services they truly deserve. We have had issues ranging from tax evasion to untraceable addresses. This new digital system is the solution,” he said.

Dr Babatunde said scanning the QR code on a building would grant access to essential property information for residents. This access would also be available for relevant stakeholders. He added that the project would prevent rental fraud. It would enhance emergency location tracking throughout Lagos communities.

He also linked the smart city initiative to Lagos’ earlier milestones. These include the data centre built during President Tinubu’s tenure as Governor.

According to him, those innovations earned Lagos international recognition in digital governance from institutions like the World Bank.

Babatunde said the new initiative was developed in partnership with Interspatial. Interspatial conducted two years of aerial mapping across Lagos. The project introduced a standardised civic address system. This system meets global identification and data protection standards.

He praised the Lagos State Government for funding the initiative, noting that its financial backing reflects a serious commitment.

“This is not just a project; it is a legacy that aligns with international benchmarks. Technology costs money, and this investment shows the government’s will to improve planning and services,” he said.

Also speaking, a co-sponsor and technical partner, representing Streamline Technologies, Mr Yinka Adesiyan, highlighted the project’s security and efficiency benefits.

He said the address plates would help emergency responders, utility personnel, and residents navigate Lagos more effectively. “This project goes beyond house numbers. It makes Lagos safer, smarter, and more transparent,” he said.

Adesiyan said the system includes a Know Your Customer (KYC) element, boosting security and aiding urban and infrastructure planning.

The Managing Director of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mr Fatiu Akiolu, said the project would address issues of house numbering. It will also address delivery packages. Additionally, it will tackle payment of bills.

He said that with the use of technology, things would be done paperless. QR codes would harmonise information from service providers.