Ibadan: The Federal Government (FG) has reiterated its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the nation’s security. Dr. Salihu Dasuki, Special Assistant to the President on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy, Office of the Vice President, disclosed this in Ibadan during the launch of ‘YardCode’, an ICT-driven addressing application.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, YardCode, developed by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), is a new digital location platform that allows community-driven geo-data for Nigeria. The special assistant, who made his remarks virtually, applauded the initiative, noting that the YardCode application would facilitate better communication and coordination in emergencies. He emphasized that better communication and coordination are crucial for timely responses to security threats. Dasuki stated that the FG’s commitment to leveraging ICT in tackling insecurity was unwavering, highlighting YardCode as a paradigm shift in addressing community challenges.

In his remarks, the Surveyor General of the Federation, Mr. Abduganiyu Adebomehin, acknowledged insecurity as a longstanding challenge hindering the country’s progress. He highlighted the inadequacies of the current PostCode System and the urgent need for a more precise, adaptable, and universally accessible geo-coding solution. Adebomehin described YardCode’s introduction of a unique and permanent identifier for every square metre of the nation’s territory as a profound transformation and a true game-changer with far-reaching implications across multiple sectors, including governance, public service delivery, emergency response, infrastructure planning, and demographic data collection.

Earlier, the Lead Developer and Founder of RAIN, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, stated that the application would serve as Nigeria’s new addressing compass, providing every location in the country with its unique name. He emphasized that Nigeria is not merely copying technology from other countries but creating solutions tailored to African conditions. YardCode, he noted, is the first system of its kind that operates without internet connectivity, covering the entire nation instantly.

Ayoola expressed that every business owner, farmer, and Nigerian now has an address that connects them to the global economy, marking a transition from problematic addressing to solutions that lead the world in location technology. He also appreciated the support from the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Mr. Bayo Akande, the Special Assistant to Gov. Seyi Makinde on ICT and E-Governance, who pledged Oyo State Government’s support for the innovation.