Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos’ game-changing Digital House Numbering System

The Lagos State Government has introduced an ambitious digital house numbering system aimed at assigning unique electronic identities to every building across the state.

The move has been hailed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying it would revolutionise property identification, urban management, and service delivery.

The pilot phase of the initiative, known as the “Identifier Project”, will begin next week in Ikeja, the state capital.

It was formally unveiled on Tuesday by Governor Sanwo-Olu at the sidelines of the Nigeria Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme (NLTRDP), held in Victoria Island.

The programme was organised by the Lagos State Office of Electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

The system uses QR codes and local government-specific colour codes to create a comprehensive digital address database. Once fully implemented, it will aid emergency responders, utility providers, and residents by providing accurate and instant property information, reducing delays in service delivery.

“This is a novel idea for Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said while displaying the prototype house numbering plates.

“We are using technology as a strong enabler to resolve land issues, so that from the comfort of your home, you can access and resolve land title matters. If you have a property’s address, you will be able to see all relevant information about it.”

The governor commended the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing electronic land documentation as the only sustainable way to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, safeguard property rights, and prepare for the future.

Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said the initiative marks a major leap in Lagos’ drive to modernise infrastructure.

He explained that the QR code system will allow the public to instantly verify key details about a property, including building approvals and billing records.

“House numbering is tied to ownership,” Babatunde said. “It will improve security, revenue generation, and efficiency in service delivery. We are now in the age of technology — we must embrace it fully.”

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, also addressed the gathering, announcing a target to increase land title coverage in Nigeria to 50 per cent within the next decade.

He noted that over 97 per cent of land in the country remains untitled, limiting its value as collateral and reducing its role in economic growth.

“This initiative will modernise land administration, make land a viable asset for wealth creation, and encourage states to digitise land registries and adopt global best practices — as Lagos has already done,” Dangiwa said, assuring that state governments will retain full control over land management.

Once scaled statewide, the Identifier Project is expected to provide Lagos with an advanced, transparent, and accessible land information system, setting a benchmark for other Nigerian states to follow.