FG to overhaul NAC as VP Shettima calls for urgent standardization

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to revamp the National Addressing Council (NAC) and set up a technical committee to drive reforms aimed at standardizing Nigeria’s addressing system.

This initiative is expected to enhance service delivery, improve urban planning, and promote economic and financial inclusion, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).

The decision emerged during a pre-meeting of the council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Vice President Shettima underscored the urgency of creating a standardized addressing system, describing it as critical for national development and socio-economic progress.

“We cannot solve the challenges of urban planning, service delivery, or even basic navigation unless we establish a system that creates order,” he said. “A robust addressing system is not just about convenience; it is about national development, security, and socio-economic progress.”

The Vice President expressed concerns over the disorganized state of the current addressing system and its adverse impact on governance, logistics, and financial inclusion for many Nigerians.

“We live in cities where most houses are either haphazardly numbered or not numbered at all. This does more than complicate address mapping—it undermines trust in address verification, slows emergency responses, and excludes millions from financial services,” he explained.

VP Shettima commended the foundational efforts made seven years ago when the National Addressing System initiative was introduced. However, he emphasized the need for actionable implementation beyond theoretical frameworks.

“This was not a vision to be left in dusty drawers or delayed indefinitely,” he stated. “A standardized addressing system will enhance logistics, strengthen e-commerce, and foster trust in financial services. It will also enable accurate emergency response and disaster management, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.”

He further stressed the importance of synergy among federal, state, and local governments to make the initiative a success. “The challenge before us is not about delegating responsibilities but about creating a synergy that cuts across all levels of government. Political will and technical expertise must work hand in hand.”

According to the Vice President, the meeting marked the beginning of a transformative journey toward a more organized, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

“We are not just solving logistical challenges; we are laying the foundation for a more organized, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. This is our collective responsibility, and we must see it through,” he added.

The meeting included presentations by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).

Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), highlighted the importance of the initiative in driving economic and financial inclusion, especially for rural Nigerians.

He said leveraging opportunities in the National Addressing System would fast-track the government’s vision of attaining inclusivity and economic prosperity.

NIMC’s presentation focused on enhancing the nation’s address verification system and building critical infrastructure for a national addressing database.

NIPOST’s presentation emphasized harmonizing the address database in Nigeria and aligning the postcode system with the national addressing framework. It also highlighted the deployment of advanced technologies, including geolocation, to map the physical addresses of Nigerians.

Notable attendees included the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata; the Director General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote; Postmaster General/CEO of NIPOST, Engr. Omotola Odeyemi; and representatives of Moniepoint, Konga, and other stakeholders in the fintech, e-commerce, and identity management sectors.