Oyo Begins Proof Of Address Implementation March

Oyo State government has adopted the implementation of the Proof of Address (PoA) initiative, setting March 1, 2026, as the official take-off date for its rollout in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and all the 33 local government areas in the state.

As part of preparations for the statewide rollout, the government, in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, has hosted its first statewide sensitisation programme on the PoA initiative for MDAs.

The programme was held on Friday at the House of Chiefs/Western Hall, Parliament Building, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.

It brought together representatives of state MDAs and local government officials, with a focus on aligning institutions with the operational framework of the PoA initiative ahead of its March 1 commencement.

The participants were briefed on the objectives of the programme, implementation procedures and the strategic importance of PoA to governance, security and service delivery.

At the event, the secretary to the state government (SSG), Prof. Musibau Babatunde Adetunji, described PoA initiative as a cornerstone of effective governance and citizen identification.

He said a reliable and verifiable address system is essential for planning, security architecture, social services and economic development.

Adetunji said the sensitisation programme underscored the seriousness of the Oyo State government’s commitment to the PoA project, particularly its full integration in MDAs and local governments. He recalled that facilitators were trained in the previous year as part of preparatory efforts, adding that the current engagement was designed to ensure uniform understanding and seamless implementation ahead of the March 1 take-off.

He explained that the PoA system is already improving residency verification, reducing identification ambiguities and promoting transparency in access to government services. According to him, full implementation of the initiative will strengthen data-driven decision-making and deepen trust between citizens and the government.

Also, the deputy speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Muhammed Fadeyi, said the initiative would enhance security by improving the identification of individuals within communities. He commended the state government for deploying a forward-looking administrative tool to address security and governance challenges.

The programme coordinator, Mr Segun Obayando, highlighted the benefits of the initiative, including improved access to financial and government services, enhanced security coordination, and more accurate population and residency data for development planning.

The participants described the initiative as timely and impactful, pledging their support for its successful implementation in their respective MDAs.