Federal Govt to Implement Proof Of Address System In 774 LGAs To Boost National Security & Identity Management
The Federal Government said it concluded arrangements for the implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System POA across the nation’s 774 Local Government Areas in a bid to boost national security, economic planning and strengthen national identity management.
Director, Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF, Segun Imohiosen who disclosed this in a statement Wednesday in Abuja said the SGF, Sen. George Akume, made the disclosure at the stakeholder’s meeting for the Activation and Implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System.
According to him, the meeting had in attendance some key stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON and a representative from the German Embassy in Abuja.
The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, in the OSGF, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri said “the POA will provide Nigerians with a verifiable and secure address, which would form an integral part of all administrative processes in both the public and private sectors”.
According to Sen. Akume, when the initiative is fully implemented across the country, “law enforcement agencies will have a robust database of verifiable addresses of Nigerians to enable them to track and mitigate criminal activities and social vices”.
He added that it will also bring development to the LGAs in allocating resources and implementing policies, as well as reduce risk in lending, delivery services, and commerce.
Akume advised all MDAs to adopt the use of the Proof of Address certificate from the LGAs as a requirement to establish reliable and verifiable address, assuring that the Proof of Address Initiative is an embodiment of hope, a symbol of progress, and a testament to the dedication of this administration to creating a better Nigeria for all.
Speaking earlier, National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON, Bello Lawal, represented by his Special Assistant and former Chairman, Karu LGA, Hon. Akala Samuel assured that the POA will provide a verifiable address for Nigerians, which would lay a foundation for improved governance, planning, and service delivery, and will in turn contribute to greater security, economic prosperity, and social development across the nation.
He added that the employment of the initiative will equip agencies like the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Security Service, and other law enforcement agencies to gather accurate data for intelligence to stem insecurity at the grassroots.
In his goodwill message, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, represented by Police Liaison Officer (CID) German Embassy, Dominik Mueller said Nigeria is on course towards the implementation of the POA initiatives.
He added that the Federal Government should take a cue from the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency LASTMA to ensure a robust database that will assist the military, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, National Population Commission NPC, Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, among others.
