Lagos Launches Digital House Numbering System To Revolutionise Property Identification
By BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria — In a move aimed at modernising urban infrastructure and enhancing service delivery, the Lagos State Government on Tuesday unveiled the pilot phase of a digital house numbering and addressing initiative, dubbed the Identifier Project.
The project, which will commence in Ikeja next week, was announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the Nigeria Land Titling, Registration, and Documentation Programme (NLTRDP) held in Victoria Island.
The Identifier Project is designed to assign a unique digital identity to every building in Lagos through the use of QR-coded address plates and colour codes specific to each local government.
This digital infrastructure, officials say, will significantly improve property identification, navigation, emergency response, and urban planning across the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a pivotal step in leveraging technology to resolve longstanding issues in land administration.
“This digital house numbering system is a novel idea anchored on technology. With it, property owners can access key information about their land titles and approvals from the comfort of their homes,” the Governor said.
“The goal is to ensure that every property has a verifiable, digital identity—making land information transparent and easily accessible.”
The unveiling event was organised by the Lagos State Office of Electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, explained that the digital addressing system goes beyond just navigation.
According to him, it will enhance government revenue collection, security, urban management, and service delivery.
“House numbering and documentation are closely tied to land ownership. This digital platform will not only help residents access vital property information but also provide clarity on whether a building is approved or not,” Babatunde said.
He added that the backend system linked to each QR code contains comprehensive data on property titles, utility bills, and regulatory approvals, enabling both the government and residents to access real-time, authenticated information.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving land administration nationwide.
He noted that the current lack of formal titles for over 97% of land in Nigeria severely limits its use as a wealth-creation asset.
“We aim to increase titled land in Nigeria to 50 percent over the next decade. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to digitise land registries, integrate GIS platforms, and adopt global best practices across all states,” the Minister stated.
Dangiwa praised Lagos for taking the lead in land digitisation, describing the Identifier project as a model for other states to emulate.
He emphasised that while states will retain full control over land administration, federal collaboration and technological integration will be key to unlocking the economic value of land assets across the country.
The Identifier project is expected to redefine how properties are identified and managed in Lagos, laying the groundwork for a future where land ownership is not only secure and transparent but also contributes significantly to economic development.
From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Regulation, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko; his Commissioner, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Director, Lagos State Fire Rescue Service (LSFRS), Mrs. Margaret Adeseye; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, host and his wife Dr. Ibijoke, during the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference 2.0, at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
