The Federal Government has hinted on the plan to inaugurate National Addressing System Council, to drive Nigeria’s agenda on planning, economic/financial inclusion as well as effective national security, among others.

The council will be inaugurated next year, according to a statement issued by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office, yesterday, after a pre-meeting of the council which he chairs.

Underscoring the need for the immediate standardisation of Nigeria’s addressing system, the Vice President described the move as essential for improving basic navigation, service delivery, enhancing urban planning, and driving economic growth; thereby ending 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.
“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.”

Shettima stressed that a standardised addressing system would enhance logistics, strengthen e-commerce, and foster trust in financial services, adding that it would also enable accurate emergency response and disaster management, ensuring that no Nigerian was 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 added.

Two presentations from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) were made at the meeting.

The overview of the National Addressing System by NIPOST highlighted the work done by the current management, emphasising the need for harmonising the address database in Nigeria.
FEDERAL Government, also, yesterday, launched the 2024 Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts across the country.
This came as Vice President Kashim Shettima called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address Nigeria’s vulnerabilities to disasters and climate change as well as build a safer and more resilient Nigeria.

During the launch in Abuja, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods from ecological and other risks.

“This launch is a testament to our resolve as a nation to confront the uncertainties of our ecological realities with informed strategies. We are committed to protecting citizens from ecological risks, while building the infrastructure and mechanisms necessary for disaster prevention and response,” he said.

He commended NEMA, development partners and other stakeholders for their dedication.

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the launch of the report was timely.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of Senate Committee on Special Duties, Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan, congratulated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders on the successful launch of the report.

In her remarks, the Director General of NEMA, Dr Zubaida Umar, said the launch of the 2024 Countrywide Risk Analysis for Nigeria marked a milestone in stakeholders’ collective effort to enhance disaster preparedness and response.