The Federal Government has introduced a new digital postcode system that will give every identifiable building in Nigeria its own unique code to make it easier to locate homes, offices and businesses.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the launch of the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System on Thursday, urging Nigerians to search for their individual postcodes and begin using them.
The system, which is being operated by the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, gives each addressable building an 11-character code that can be used to identify its exact location.
According to Tijani, the new system is expected to make it easier for people and businesses to access services, while also helping government agencies and emergency responders locate communities and individuals more accurately.
He said the postcode would also help businesses deliver goods to customers who live outside their immediate areas and make it easier for families to give their correct locations when seeking help during emergencies.
“Every Nigerian deserves to be found. Every business deserves the chance to reach its customers. And every community deserves to be within reach of opportunity,” Tijani said.
The minister explained that the digital postcode system is part of the infrastructure needed to support the government’s plan to grow Nigeria’s economy and create more opportunities for citizens.
According to him, having reliable location information will make it easier for Nigerians to participate in business, trade and other economic activities.
“As we work towards President Bola Tinubu’s ambition for a $1 trillion economy, we must build the foundations that allow more Nigerians to participate, trade and prosper. This is one of those foundations,” he said.
The system identifies locations through five stages: state, local government area, district, area and individual building. This means that every building that can be identified will have its own unique digital postcode.
Tijani urged Nigerians to visit the official Digital Postcode website, postcode.gov.ng, to find their codes and share them with relatives, friends and businesses that may need their locations.
NIPOST said the new system would also support activities such as online shopping, delivery services, emergency response and government programmes by providing one standard way of identifying locations across the country.
The government expects the digital postcode system to make it easier for Nigerians to receive goods and services, while helping businesses and public institutions locate people and communities more efficiently.
