Lagos, Nigeria – On 1 October 2024, the [Nigerian Postal Service](https://www.nipost.gov.ng) officially introduced the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, an 11‑character GIS‑enabled code that assigns a unique identifier to every addressable building across the country.
The rollout assigns each eligible structure a code that combines letters and numbers, allowing precise location mapping for mail, deliveries and emergency services. The system was approved by the Federal Executive Council in March 2026 and is built on mapping data collected by the [National Population Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Population_Commission_(Nigeria)) during the 2022 census.
"Every Nigerian deserves to be found," said Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, during the launch ceremony.
What were the earlier postcode initiatives?
In 1986, NIPOST introduced six‑digit postcodes that identified broad postal zones rather than individual properties. A 2017 partnership with the UK‑based What3Words attempted to divide the country into 3‑metre squares, with a goal of raising home‑delivery rates from roughly 20 % to 70 % within two years and 90 % by 2020. The same year, NIPOST unveiled the Address Verification System (AVS), which earned a World Summit on the Information Society prize in March 2018 and was launched alongside the Digital Addressing System (DAS) in August 2018.
Why did those efforts fall short?
Despite the innovations, none succeeded in creating a nationwide, building‑level addressing layer. In 2020, NIPOST and the Nigerian Communications Commission agreed to verify addresses supplied during SIM registration, and in 2022 it signed an agreement with the NPC to develop digital postcodes. A promised rollout by June 2023 missed its deadline, though a pilot was conducted in Abuja that year. Public records do not clearly explain the shortcomings of those earlier schemes.
How is the new system different?
The current GIS‑enabled postcode leverages existing NPC census maps instead of remapping the entire country, reducing implementation time. Pilot testing was carried out in the Federal Capital Territory and about twelve states before the nationwide launch.
NIPOST projects that more than 90 % of the country will be captured at launch, beginning with major urban centres. Full coverage of all 36 states and the FCT is targeted for December 2026.
What are users saying?
Early adopters report mixed experiences: some have received accurate codes instantly, while others struggle to locate the correct building identifier. NIPOST assures that any reported errors will be corrected within 48 hours.