Lagos Launches Digital House Numbering System To Boost Urban Efficiency.
In a significant step towards transforming Lagos into a smart city, the Lagos State Government has unveiled the Lagos Identifier Programme, a digital addressing system set to revolutionise house numbering and street naming across the state. The initiative, launched on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, will commence operations on 1 July in Ikeja Local Government, with plans for a state-wide rollout to follow.
The programme, spearheaded by the Office of e-GIS and Urban Development, aims to enhance property identification, streamline service delivery, and bolster the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR). Dr Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, described the system as a “comprehensive solution” that will impact multiple sectors, including housing, transportation, e-cab hailing services, security, emergency response, taxation, and urban planning.
“This technology has not only made Lagos a smart state but will have a real-life impact on residents and the government’s ability to respond to their needs,” Dr Olajide said during the launch event. The system employs QR codes and local government colour codes on address plates to improve property tracking and ensure accurate records for ownership, usage, and tax compliance.
The initiative is expected to address longstanding challenges such as tax evasion and undocumented properties, which have hindered revenue collection in Nigeria’s economic hub. By formalising property identification, the government hopes to bring more properties into the tax net, supporting Lagos’ position as the state with the highest IGR in Nigeria.
State agencies will collaborate with technical partners to produce and install the digital house numbers, starting in Ikeja. The system’s implementation has sparked discussions on social media, with some questioning its alignment with local government responsibilities. However, Dr Olajide clarified that the programme will involve cooperation with local authorities to ensure compliance with constitutional roles.
The Lagos Identifier Programme is part of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader vision to create a sustainable and resilient urban environment. Recent state efforts, such as regulating estate agency charges and promoting affordable housing, reflect this month, underscore Lagos’ drive to improve residents’ quality of life.
As the 1 July start date approaches, the initiative has been met with optimism by many Lagosians, who see it as a forward-thinking move to modernise the state’s infrastructure. “This is a game-changer for Lagos,” one resident commented on X, echoing widespread sentiment about the programme’s potential to enhance accessibility and governance
