Nigeria is set to roll out a new geospatial, alphanumeric digital postcode system following approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The decision was announced by Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, after the council meeting chaired by Bola Tinubu. According to Tijani, the initiative is designed to overhaul Nigeria’s national addressing framework using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.
“We will introduce a modern, geospatial intelligent addressing system that improves accuracy across the country and enables faster and more reliable mail and parcel processing,” the minister wrote on X.
In his post, he noted that the Digital Postcode System would also serve as an important national enabler, and support national planning as well as emergency response. The approval marks the latest milestone in a project that has been in development for several years. In 2022, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Population Commission (NPC) to support the rollout of a digitised postcode system.
In 2023, NIPOST had indicated that the digital postcode would be launched by June of that year, but the plan did not materialise as scheduled. The new system will be implemented in collaboration with NIPOST, currently led by Tola Odeyemi, and is expected to introduce a GIS-enabled, alphanumeric structure to standardise addresses nationwide.
Tijani said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader strategic blueprint and is essential to supporting Nigeria’s expanding digital economy. He noted that a modern addressing system is foundational infrastructure needed to connect citizens, businesses and public institutions more effectively. The minister added that the council’s approval underscores the federal government’s commitment to fostering a modern, inclusive and globally competitive digital ecosystem.
When fully deployed, the digital postcode system is expected to enhance logistics operations, boost e-commerce efficiency, improve emergency response coordination and strengthen public service delivery across the country.
