- As Lagos Leads in Digital Governance, Efficient Urban Planning
With the implementation of an Electronic Physical Planning Permit Process System, the Lagos State Government is set to completely transform the Planning Approval procedure.
The revelation was made on Wednesday at the Y2024 Ministerial Press Briefing, which was organised to commemorate the start of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office at Alausa, Ikeja. The speaker was Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser for e-GIS and Urban Development.
Presenting the report on the accomplishments of e-GIS and the Office of Urban Development, the Special Adviser reaffirmed that the novel method will allow building approval to be obtained in a mere ten minutes, guaranteeing a smooth and effective procedure for all involved.
While recalling that the e-GIS project began in 2016 and gained momentum in 2021, when Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined a strategic plan for its implementation, Dr. Babatunde averred that the e-GIS Office (LAGIS) has been entrusted with overseeing the project, which aims to create a comprehensive digital platform for land administration and geographic information services.
He stated that a significant milestone was achieved on December 4, 2023, when the Bill for the establishment of the Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) was presented to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In his words, “The e-GIS Office (LAGIS) fully takes over the responsibility of supervising and project managing the Lagos enterprise GIS upgrade and integrated land administration automated system. Thereafter, ensure the institutionalisation of enterprise geographic information service statewide, up to the creation of an agency called the Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS), particularly the processes leading up to the passage of its bill by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“To ensure a smooth implementation process, stakeholders and the public will be engaged through a series of retreats and sensitisation programmes. This will foster a better understanding of the importance of the bill and the benefits of the Electronic Physical Planning Process System. With this innovative system, Lagos State is poised to become a leader in digital governance and efficient urban planning”, he reiterated.