The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Lagos Identity Project, a cutting-edge digital house-numbering initiative designed to revolutionise property identification and improve public service delivery across the state.
Speaking at the official launch held in Alausa, Dr. Olajide Babajide, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Enterprise Geographic Information System, described the initiative as a critical step toward building a smarter, more efficient, and responsive Lagos.
“This project is about providing Lagosians with the world-class services they truly deserve,” Babajide stated. “From untraceable addresses to tax evasion and delayed emergency responses, we’ve had persistent issues. This new digital system is the solution.”
The project features digital address plates embedded with QR codes and local government-specific colour codes. These plates are designed to enhance emergency response times, improve postal services, and support effective urban planning. By simply scanning a QR code, residents and stakeholders will have access to vital property information in real time.
Babajide emphasized that the initiative will also help curb rental fraud and enable emergency services to locate properties quickly in times of crisis. He tied the Lagos Identity Project to the state’s broader smart city agenda, citing innovations such as the Lagos data centre built during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor — an achievement that helped earn Lagos international acclaim in digital governance from institutions like the World Bank.
The initiative, developed in partnership with Interspatial, comes after two years of extensive aerial mapping across the state. It introduces a standardised civic addressing framework that aligns with global best practices and adheres to strict data protection protocols.
“This isn’t just a project; it’s a legacy that aligns with international benchmarks,” Babajide declared.
The pilot phase of the project is currently underway in Eti-Osa Local Government Area and will be scaled across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state.
Importantly, trained IBILE youth are responsible for implementing the project at the grassroots level, ensuring community participation, employment, and data accuracy.
Babajide also praised the Lagos State Government for fully funding the initiative, describing it as a bold investment in technology and governance.
“Technology costs money, and this investment shows the government’s strong will to improve planning, services, and resident experience,” he said.
Mr. Yinka Adesiyan, a technical partner and co-sponsor, also spoke at the launch, highlighting the project’s numerous benefits.
“This initiative goes far beyond just house numbers,” he said. “It makes Lagos safer, smarter, and more transparent. With integrated Know Your Customer (KYC) features, it enhances security, utility access, and infrastructure planning.”
The Lagos Identity Project is expected to serve as a model for other states, reinforcing Lagos’ position as a leader in digital innovation and urban governance in Africa.