By Egena Sunday Ode
The federal government has taken critical steps to reinvigorate the National Addressing Council (NAC) in a bid to find solutions to challenges associated with the addressing system in Nigeria.
Accordingly, a new NAC and a technical committee is to be inaugurated next year to drive the country’s agenda on planning, economic, and financial inclusion, as well as ensuring an effective national addressing system.
This decision was taken on Wednesday during a pre-meeting of the council chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed in a statement.
Underscoring the need for the immediate standardisation of Nigeria’s addressing system, the Vice President described the move as essential for improving service delivery, enhancing urban planning, and driving economic growth, the statement said.
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, the VP noted that standardising Nigeria’s addressing system is long overdue, adding that it will end decades of infrastructural deficits and create a systematic approach to national address mapping.
He said, “We cannot solve the challenges of urban planning, service delivery, or even basic navigation unless we establish a system that creates order. A robust addressing system is not just about convenience; it is about national development, security, and socio-economic progress.”
The Vice President decried the consequences of the current disorganised system, noting its impact on governance, logistics, and the financial inclusion of 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 praised the foundational work done seven years ago when the National Addressing System initiative was introduced, noting, however, that there is a need to move beyond frameworks to actionable implementation.
He continued: “This was not a vision to be left in dusty drawers or delayed indefinitely. Addressing is fundamental to our aspirations of becoming a 21st-century economy.
“A standardised 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.
“The challenge before us is not about delegating responsibilities but about creating a synergy that cuts across federal, state, and local governments. Political will and technical expertise must work hand in hand to make this initiative a success”.
He said “all the Federal Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres in Nigeria including those In North West geo political zones already have the mandate of Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research and Training of Health care professional including medical doctors who are specialist in the management of cardiovascular diseases and other related cases.
