NIPOST Begins Implementation Of Digitalised Postcode To Boost Revenue

The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) has said it will begin the implementation of a digitalised postcode and Address Verification System (AVS) to enhance revenue collection for the country.

NIPOST said the development would eliminate fake addresses of persons, organisations and individuals.

The Postmaster General of the Federation and NIPOST Chief Executive Officer Adeyemi Sunday Adepoju said the standardisation of the system, in line with global best practices, would automatically change the postcodes and AVS in the country.

Addressing stakeholders on the implementation of the digitalised postcode and AVS at Fraser Suites in Abuja, Adepoju said: “Digital postcodes system and solutions have tremendous benefits for our country. It’s a complete transformation from the old systems. With this solution at your fingertips, you can easily locate wherever you are going in the country.”

The NIPOST chief executive said the system would automatically eliminate fake addresses of persons, individuals, families and businesses as all stakeholders are involved in the project.

“If you move from one location to another and apply for a driver’s licence in another location, the system would automatically update and verify all your addresses and biodata. So, it means no hiding place for criminals,” he said.

Adepoju stressed the essence of the trajectory of the postcode and AVS, which started in 1986, saying the stage had been set for their full implementation across the country by November.

The NIPOST boss praised the National Population Commission (NPC), the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other stakeholders for their partnership with his organisation to deliver the project.

He described the benefits of the system as colossal, stressing that it would improve revenue generation for the country, end cases of fake addresses and assist security agencies to track down criminals engaged in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

Adepoju said: “We have embarked on a remarkable endeavor that focuses not only on the digital evolution of our postcodes but also on the broader concept of national address verification. This project holds the potential to redefine the way we connect and communicate, setting the stage for a new era of efficiency and accessibility.

“While I commend the vision and endeavours of my predecessors in introducing the Alpha-Numeric Postcode System – an efficient method of mail processing distribution and delivery in a nation lacking a standardised addressing system – I am proud to announce that we are taking this initiative to an unprecedented level that has never been witnessed before.”

On what the country stands to gain from the initiative, the NIPOST boss said: “The National Digital Alpha-Numeric Postcode System has the potential to significantly improve nationwide service delivery, enhance security, and generate revenue for NIPOST and other government agencies.

“It also has far-reaching benefits for both government bodies and public businesses, including crime prevention, identity fraud reduction, emergency services coordination, border control, e-commerce growth, data-driven insights, financial inclusion, healthcare access, tourism, education, job creation, SME empowerment, and cultural heritage preservation.”