Every building in Nigeria can now have its own 11-character digital postcode, and you can look yours up for free in under a minute. The national system, run by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), went live on 1 October 2026.
Why it matters: a postcode that points to your exact building can make deliveries, emergency visits, bank and business records, and directions far less of a guessing game. But early users have reported missing or duplicate codes, so it is worth checking yours now and fixing it if it is wrong.
What is a digital postcode?
It is a short code tied to one building. It belongs to the building, not to you. If you move, you use the postcode of your new building. Everyone in the same building, whether a family or an office, uses the same code.
It does not replace your street address. You can use both. It also does not replace map apps, though the NIPOST app can give directions to any postcode.
What does the code look like?
NIPOST’s own example is FC 02 A09 DB 09. Take out the spaces and you get 11 characters. The first two letters tell you the state: FC stands for the Federal Capital Territory, and each of the 36 states has its own two-letter code. NIPOST has not published what the rest of the characters mean, so do not try to work out a code by hand. Always look it up.
How do I find my postcode?
You do not need an account. On the official NIPOST postcode website, or in the NIPOST Postcode app on Android:
- Stand inside or right outside your building.
- Turn on your phone’s location. Searches often fail without it.
- Choose Find my postcode, then Use my location.
- Check the map carefully and make sure the highlighted building is yours, not the one next door. Neighbouring buildings can have different codes.
- Save it in the app and copy it somewhere safe.
Not at home? You can also paste a Google Maps link to your building, or enter a postcode someone sent you to see where it points. The app is listed for Android now. The website shows the iPhone version as coming soon, so iPhone users should use the website for now.
What if my building has no postcode, or the wrong one?
- No postcode: request one on the website or app using your location, your address or a Google Maps link. NIPOST reviews requests before it assigns a code.
- Wrong details: search your postcode in the app, tap Edit and submit the correction. You can fix the address, building type, use and photos.
- Same code as your neighbour: report it the same way, through Edit, with a clear photo of each building.
Does it cost anything?
No. NIPOST says finding, saving and sharing a postcode is free for individuals. Nobody should ask you to pay for “registration” of a postcode. If someone does, treat it as a scam.
Who can see my location?
The government says access to detailed location data is tiered, so only authorised institutions can see more than the basic code. Before you share your postcode publicly, remember it points to the exact building where you live. Share it with people and businesses who need to find you, the same way you would share your home address. Our guide to phone privacy settings covers the location settings worth checking.
What to watch
Watch for banks, delivery companies and government forms starting to ask for it. NIPOST invites businesses to build the postcode into their apps, so the code will matter more as more services adopt it. Get yours right now, before you need it.
For more on how government services are going digital, read how Big Tech is shaping Nigeria’s digital government.
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