The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling insecurity across Nigeria through a technology-driven approach, with the launch of Yardcode, a cutting-edge digital addressing platform developed by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).
The launch event, held in Ibadan yesterday at RAIN head office in Iyaganku, marked a major milestone in the nation’s efforts to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into national security and public administration frameworks.
Speaking virtually at the launch, the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Salihu Dasuki, stated that the Federal Government is determined to leverage ICT to improve the country’s security architecture.
“Yardcode is not just an application; it is a paradigm shift in how we approach addressing challenges in our communities.
“The integration of ICT in our security frameworks will enable us to respond more effectively to threats, ensuring a safer future for our citizens,” Dasuki stated.
He emphasized that Yardcode, which allows for community-driven geodata generation, would aid in precise geolocation for emergency response, national security, and effective governance.
Also speaking at the event, the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Adebomehin Adeyemi, hailed Yardcode as a “true game changer” for Nigeria, particularly in the wake of longstanding challenges with the current postcode and addressing systems.
“The introduction of a unique, permanent identifier for every square metre of Nigerian territory is a profound transformation.
“It offers enormous potential for governance, emergency services, infrastructure planning, and demographic data management,” he said.
Adeyemi lauded the developers for their vision and called for the nationwide adoption of the innovation, noting that the platform aligns directly with the Nigerian National Addressing Standard, which emphasizes precise GPS locations.
In a goodwill message, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by his Special Assistant on ICT and e-Governance, Mr. Bayo Akande, expressed the state’s full support for the Yardcode initiative.
“This innovation addresses a national concern using a locally developed solution. Oyo State is proud to support this digital transformation,” Akande said.
He added that the Oyo State government remains committed to adopting technology-driven solutions to improve governance and security.
Earlier, the founder and lead developer of RAIN, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, in his welcome address, explained that Yardcode is a uniquely Nigerian solution designed for African condilocation.
Providing a deep insight into the new technological innovation, Ayoola revealed that Yardcode is a geocoding and digital addressing solution developed by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).
He added that Yarcode assigns unique, permanent identifiers to every square metre of land in Nigeria, enabling real-time, offline, and internet-independent access to precise geolocation data. It aims to revolutionize emergency response, logistics, infrastructure planning, and governance.
“This is the first digital addressing system that works offline and covers the entirety of Nigeria instantly.
“Every Nigerian, whether a farmer or business owner, now has a digital address. This connects them to the global economy.”
Ayoola stressed that the innovation is not a borrowed concept but a homegrown solution that can serve as a model for the rest of West Africa and beyond.
Ayoola said with growing concerns over security challenges, poor infrastructure planning, and ineffective address systems, Yardcode is being heralded as a critical tool in Nigeria’s digital transformation and security strategy.
He acknowledged the support of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for backing indigenous tech innovations.