The Lagos State Government has officially unveiled the pilot phase of its groundbreaking “Identifier” project, a comprehensive digital addressing system designed to streamline geographic house numbering and street naming across the state.
EpeInsights reports that the initiative is set to kick off next week in Ikeja, the state capital.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu launched the project at the Nigeria Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme (NLTRDP) event held at Victoria Island. The event was organized by the Lagos State Office of Electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The “Identifier” system introduces a unique digital identity for every building throughout Lagos State, significantly enhancing navigation for emergency responders, utility companies, and residents. This innovation aims to improve urban management and service delivery by making property information readily accessible.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a novel technology-driven solution to longstanding land issues. He emphasized the convenience of accessing land title information digitally, saying,
“From the comfort of your house, you can access and resolve land title issues. The digital house numbering system ensures that every property has a unique address that can be linked to all relevant information.”
He further praised the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that electronic land documentation is critical to reducing physical interference and securing land rights in Nigeria.
Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, explained that the project includes QR codes and local government-specific color codes to facilitate easy identification of properties. He highlighted the benefits of the digital system, including improvements in security, revenue generation, and overall efficiency of public services.
“House numbering is closely tied to ownership and land administration. By scanning the QR code on the digital plate, residents and officials can access detailed information about a property, such as billing status and building approval,” Dr. Babatunde said, emphasizing the need for Lagos to embrace technology in its urban development.
Earlier at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, announced ambitious plans to increase land title registration to 50 percent within the next decade. This move is part of a national strategy to modernize land administration and unlock the economic potential of land in Nigeria.
He noted that over 97 percent of land in Nigeria remains untitled, which restricts its use as collateral for loans and diminishes its value in property transactions. The initiative encourages states to digitize land registries, integrate geographic information systems, and adopt global best practices—efforts Lagos State has already pioneered.
The “Identifier” project marks a major step forward in modernizing Lagos’ infrastructure and improving the quality of life for millions of residents. With digital addressing now a reality, Lagos is setting a benchmark for other Nigerian states and African cities to follow in urban innovation.
Stay tuned for updates as the pilot phase rolls out in Ikeja and expands across Lagos State.
