The Lagos State Government has launched a digital house numbering system designed to assign unique digital identities to all buildings across the state. The initiative, which began in August 2025, aims to modernize property identification, improve public services, and enhance governance. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the project during its pilot phase in Ikeja and Eti-Osa local government areas.
How the Digital House Numbering System Works
The system provides each building with a colour-coded plate that includes a QR code.
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QR Code Functionality: Scanning the code reveals official property data such as ownership details, building approvals, and billing history.
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Colour Coding: Plate colours correspond to specific local government areas for quick location recognition.
This structure will eventually cover all 57 local government and council development areas in Lagos.
Key Benefits for Lagos Residents and Government
The digital numbering system is designed to deliver wide-ranging improvements:
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Emergency Response Efficiency
Fire services, police, and medical teams will be able to locate addresses faster, reducing response times. -
Better Service Delivery
Utilities, postal services, and delivery companies can navigate more efficiently and accurately. -
Urban Planning Support
Urban planners gain access to reliable, standardized address data to improve zoning and infrastructure development. -
Improved Revenue Collection
Properties not previously recorded can now be identified, increasing compliance with property-related taxes. -
Security and Fraud Prevention
The system strengthens property transaction verification, reducing rental scams and land fraud. -
Land Administration Transparency
Ownership details and property history can be verified remotely, helping resolve land disputes.
Pilot Rollout and Expansion Plans
The pilot phase is active in Ikeja and Eti-Osa. According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, full implementation across the state will follow once the system has been tested and optimized. Officials aim for complete coverage of Lagos, making the database a key tool for governance, service delivery, and public safety.
Why This Matters for Lagos
Lagos is Nigeria’s most populous state and a hub for economic activity. The new system addresses long-standing challenges with inconsistent addressing, which has hindered emergency services, planning, and revenue collection. By adopting this system, Lagos is positioning itself as a model for smart city initiatives in Africa.
Looking Ahead
The Lagos digital house numbering system is expected to transform how properties are identified, tracked, and managed. As rollout expands, residents and businesses will see faster services, safer property transactions, and better city planning. The initiative may also inspire other Nigerian states to adopt similar solutions.
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