By Our Correspondent
In its quest to actualize a healthy and effective addressing system for Nigeria, the Federal Government has inaugurated a National Addressing system (NAS) Committee, to facilitate speedy implementation of the program.
Addressing the Committee in Abuja, the Minister of Communications, who doubles as Chairman of the committee, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, described the constitution of the Committee as another milestone, designed to ensure feasible development of a reliable, unambiguous and all-in-one integrated addressing system for the country.
He said that the Federal Government was greatly concerned with the poor state of addressing and its attendant consequences to national development and security, which the Ministry intervened through the provision of national addressing policy, to guide stakeholders who are charged with the responsibilities of providing addressing infrastructure to perform better.
The Minister added that the policy identified strategic stakeholders to drive the implementation of National Addressing System both at the Federal, State and Local Governments Levels, geared to harmonize the creation, acquisition, processing, analysis, storage and dissemination of various socioeconomic data across the country.
Dr. Shittu further revealed that the Federal Government has successfully produced a comprehensive Nigerian National Addressing Standard and Guidelines (NNASG) which has been approved by the National Addressing System Council, to facilitate the Implementation of the NAS project.
Describing Integrated Addressing Infrastructure as a vital tool in the national security and socioeconomic development, the Minister admonished the committee to equip themselves with the needed information and skills to implement the task given to her.
In his words, “members of the NAS Committee are reminded of their pioneer status on this program and the huge expectation of the populace on your ability to reorganize the addressing infrastructure and data base of the nation for improved security and socio economic development”. He stated.
While pledging the Ministry of Communications’ unflinching support for the Committee’s activities, and all matters that will accelerate the implementation of the programme, Shittu charged all stakeholders to ensure diligent implementation of their individual roles within the NAS Framework as well as in compliance with the NNAS&G.
In his address at the event, the Postmaster-General, Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, said that Nigeria is in dare need of standard addressing , explaining that street addressing is a critical medium in ensuring that citizens have access to their rights and responsibilities.
According to him, the value of National Addressing Infrastructure does not only enhance mails delivery, but also aid in proper National Planning, Security and economic growth.
He further added that with proper addressing, criminals would have no hiding place in the country, as identity of every individual would also be captured in the national data which works hand in hand with the National addressing System.
The committee compose of Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu the (Chairman), other 16 members are Engr. N.O Ogujiofor, (Ministry of Communications), Mrs. Stella Anukam, (Ministry of Justice), Suv. A.P. Omosowon, (Surveyor General of the Federation), Zakari Yau Bala: (FCTA), Mrs. Rekiya Suleiman (NIGCOMSAT), Engr. Chidi Nwafor (INEC), Yakubu Aminu Bell: (CBN); Mal. Bala Wambai: (NIPOST); Muhammed Abubakar: (ALGON) and Surv. Adamu Audu Adaji: (National Boundary Commission).
Others are: Mr. Olutoyin Olufade,( Asssociation of Nigeria Courier Operators); Mr. Ajibola Olude: (ATCON); Mr. Biyi Fafunmi: (NBS), Ashishana Bayo Okauru: (NGF); Engr. A. O. Olowoniyan: (FMOPW&H) and Mr. F.N Abduraheem: (Budget & National Planning).