Oyo State government has formally adopted the full implementation of the Proof of Address, PoA, a Federal Government initiative aimed at introducing a data-driven identification system for proper documentation of residents and businesses.

According to the Federal Government, the PoA will replace Nigeria’s longstanding reliance on informal and non-standard address descriptions and tools, such as utility bills, with a credible, standardised system that can be uniformly verified across the country.

The Oyo State government has set March 1, 2026, as the official take-off date for the rollout of the PoA across ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, and all 33 local government areas of the state.

Meanwhile, as part of preparations for the rollout, the state government, in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Oyo State chapter, on Friday held a statewide sensitisation programme on the PoA initiative for MDAs in Ibadan.

According to a statement by ALGON, the sensitisation programme brought together representatives of state MDAs and local government officials, with a focus on aligning institutions with the operational framework of the PoA initiative ahead of the March 1 commencement.

Participants were briefed on the objectives of the initiative, implementation procedures and the strategic importance of PoA to governance, security and service delivery.

In an address at the event, Secretary to the Government of Oyo State, Professor Musibau Babatunde Adetunji, described the PoA initiative as a cornerstone of effective governance and citizen identification.

“A reliable and verifiable address system is essential for planning, security architecture, social services and economic development,” Adetunji said.

The SSG noted that the sensitisation programme underscores the Oyo State Government’s commitment to the PoA project, particularly its full integration across MDAs and local governments.

Adetunji recalled that facilitators were trained in 2025 as part of preparatory efforts, adding that the current engagement was designed to ensure uniform understanding and seamless implementation ahead of the March 1 commencement.

“The PoA system is already improving residency verification, reducing identification ambiguities and promoting transparency in access to government services,” the SSG said, noting that full implementation of the initiative will strengthen data-driven decision-making and deepen trust between citizens and the government.

Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Abiodun Muhammed Fadeyi, in his address, said the PoA initiative would significantly enhance security by improving the identification of individuals within communities. The lawmaker commended the state government for deploying what he described as a forward-looking administrative tool to address security and governance challenges.

Programme Coordinator, Mr. Segun Obayando, highlighted the broad benefits of the PoA initiative, including improved access to financial and government services, enhanced security coordination, and more accurate population and residency data for development planning.

Oyo State is the first state in the country to approve and sign all enabling laws associated with the Proof of Address initiative.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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