How to check your name, home address on Nigeria’s new postcode system

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, accessible through the Nigerian Postal Service. This new system assigns a unique 11-character alphanumeric postcode to every addressable building across the nation. To check your own postcode and address details, follow these steps:

1. Access the official NIPOST website at postcode.gov.ng and select the "Find my postcode" option. Alternatively, download the NIPOST Postcode application from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

2. Search for your home address by entering your house number, street name, neighbourhood, or any other relevant location details. You can also search using place names, existing postcodes, or aliases where available. Carefully select the result that matches your address and verify the displayed map to ensure it accurately points to your building. Check surrounding roads, neighboring properties, and recognizable landmarks before finalizing your selection.

3. Inspect whether your name appears in the address records. Some homeowners' names are included because residents informally identify properties by their owners' names. To check if your name is present, review the address description linked to your building or search for your name within the system. Keep in mind that a missing name does not necessarily mean your building is absent from the system, as the postcode is assigned to the building, not its occupants.

4. If you are at or near your home, utilize the application's location feature to pinpoint your building on the map. Enable your phone's location services and grant the app permission to access your location. Choose the "Find My Postcode" option to display your precise location and nearby mapped buildings. Identify your exact building on the map and select it to receive the corresponding code. Ensure you choose the correct building as neighboring properties may have distinct digital postcodes.

5. Should your building's details prove inaccurate, use the platform's correction feature to submit a suggestion. For buildings lacking a postcode, users can request one by providing relevant address details and location information through the website or application. A Google Maps link can assist in identifying the property. NIPOST will review requests for missing postcodes and proposed corrections before updating their records.

6. Understand that the digital postcode identifies a specific building or addressable location and not an individual resident. This means that people residing in the same building can share the same postcode while using their regular written addresses. Upon moving to a new building, individuals will utilize the code assigned to their new location.

The primary objective of this system is to enhance address identification and support essential services such as deliveries, logistics, emergency response, and public service delivery.