***Advises MDAs To Adopt Initiative As Requirement For Official Address
By Miriam Humbe
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements for the implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System (POA) across the 774 Local Government Areas in a bid to boost national security, economic planning and strengthen the nation’s national identity management.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, made the disclosure at the Stakeholder’s Meeting for the Activation and Implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System.
In attendance were some key stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and a representative from the German Embassy in Abuja.
Segun Imohiosen, the Director, Information & Public Relations in the OSGF disclosed this in a statement signed on Wednesday.
The SGF was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri.
He said that the POA would provide Nigerians with a verifiable and secure address, which would form an integral part of all administrative processes in both the public and private sectors.
Senator Akume said that, when the initiative is fully implemented across the country, law enforcement agencies will have a robust database of verifiable addresses of Nigerians to enable them to track and mitigate criminal activities and social vices.
He said that it will also bring development to the LGAs in allocating resources and implementing policies, as well as reduce risk in lending, delivery services, and commerce.
Senator Akume therefore advised all MDAs to adopt the use of the Proof of Address certificate from the LGAs as a requirement to establish reliable and verifiable address.
He assured that the Proof of Address Initiative is an embodiment of hope, a symbol of progress, and a testament to the dedication of this administration to creating a better Nigeria for all.
National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Bello Lawal, represented by his Special Assistant and former Chairman, Karu LGA, Hon. Akala Samuel assured that the POA will provide a verifiable address for Nigerians, which would lay a foundation for improved governance, planning, and service delivery.
The ALGON President said that the initiative will in turn contribute to greater security, economic prosperity, and social development across the nation.
He said that the employment of the initiative will equip agencies like the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Security Service, and other law enforcement agencies to gather accurate data for intelligence to stem insecurity at the grassroots.
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Annett Gunther, represented by Police Liaison Officer (CID) German Embassy, Dominik Mueller said that Nigeria was on course towards the implementation of the POA initiatives.
He said that the Federal Government should take a cue from the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) to ensure a robust database that will assist the military, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Population Commission (NPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among others.
