The Sokoto State Government has held a sensitization programme on the implementation of the Proof of Address, PoA, initiative for all local government areas in the state.
The PoA is a Federal Government initiative aimed at introducing a data-driven identification system for proper documentation of residents and businesses.
It will replace Nigeria’s longstanding reliance on informal and non-standard address descriptions, such as utility bills, with a credible, standardised system that can be uniformly verified across the country.
The sensitization programme held by the Sokoto State government on Wednesday brought together representatives from the state’s 23 local government areas, officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and key stakeholders involved in grassroots administration.
The event was chaired by the Sokoto State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Abba Shehu Tambuwal.
A statement issued after the event said the engagement marked the first phase of the PoA rollout in Sokoto State, and is aimed at familiarising local government officials with the objectives, processes, and operational requirements of the Proof of Address framework.
“Participants were given ample opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on implementation procedures to ensure uniform understanding across all LGAs.
“Sokoto State PoA Coordinator, Abubakar Mai’akwai Ladan, who chaired the sensitization session, provided detailed explanations on the PoA process, its importance in strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing data-driven planning at the local and state levels,” the statement said.
Ladan emphasized that the PoA initiative is designed to support effective governance, enhance citizen identification, and improve planning and service delivery at all levels of government.
According to the statement, a broader sensitization exercise, involving other stakeholders including community leaders and relevant agencies, will be conducted at a later date as part of efforts to ensure seamless implementation of the initiative in Sokoto State.
The statement noted that Sokoto joins states which have commenced the implementation of the new national address system. The governors of Nasarawa and Kogi states recently granted formal approval for the adoption and implementation of the PoA in their respective states.
