The Lagos State Government has taken a bold step toward transforming urban governance and service delivery with the unveiling of the Lagos Identity Project, a digital house-numbering initiative designed to streamline property identification and modernize public services.
Unveiled in Alausa by Dr. Olajide Babajide, the Special Adviser on Enterprise Geographic Information System (e-GIS) to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the project introduces a system of QR-coded address plates that aim to bring clarity to a city long plagued by untraceable addresses, tax evasion, and slow emergency response.
“This project is about providing Lagosians with the world-class services they deserve,” Babajide stated. “It’s not just a technology upgrade—it’s a foundation for smarter governance.”
Transforming Property Identification in a Megacity
Each address plate is embedded with a QR code and colour-coded according to the local government area. Scanning the QR code reveals verified property data—enabling faster response in emergencies, more reliable postal services, and improved access for utility companies and city planners.
Beyond navigation and service efficiency, the system targets rental fraud and location ambiguity—particularly in high-density, underserved neighbourhoods. It forms part of a broader smart city vision that Lagos has pursued since the early 2000s, dating back to initiatives like the state’s digital data centre under then-Governor Bola Tinubu. Those efforts earned Lagos global accolades, including recognition from the World Bank.
Pilot in Eti-Osa, Full Rollout on the Horizon
Currently, the project is being piloted in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area, home to some of Lagos’ most dynamic residential and commercial zones. If successful, it will scale to all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LGs and LCDAs) across the state.
To ensure local relevance and data accuracy, the initiative is being implemented by trained youth under the Ibile programme—an employment and capacity-building scheme that promotes grassroots participation. According to Babajide, this not only fosters community ownership but also ensures long-term data reliability.
Secured by Innovation and Collaboration
The initiative is being executed in collaboration with Interspatial, a geospatial solutions firm that spent two years conducting aerial mapping to lay the groundwork. Yinka Adesiyan, a co-sponsor and technical partner of the project, emphasized that the system includes Know Your Customer (KYC) elements, offering a security-first approach to civic data.
“This is about more than house numbers—it’s about making Lagos safer, smarter, and more transparent,” said Adesiyan. “From first responders to delivery agents, every stakeholder in the urban ecosystem will benefit.”
He added that the address plates’ embedded KYC components would aid in planning, regulatory compliance, and crime reduction—contributing to a more structured and secure environment.
A Foundation for the Future
Fully funded by the Lagos State Government, the Lagos Identity Project underscores a strong financial and political commitment to long-term urban transformation. It also sets a precedent for how digital infrastructure can solve real problems in African megacities.
“This is not just another infrastructure project,” Babajide concluded. “It’s a legacy aligned with global standards—and a smart future that begins with a simple scan.”