Nigeria’s Lagos State Makes Leap Towards Modern Land Administration
In a monumental move indicative of emerging digital trends, the Lagos State Government in Nigeria, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched an Electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) platform. This novel digitized tool aims to help modernize land administration in the state by transitioning procedures for land acquisition, documentation, and verification away from traditional manual methods.
An Innovative Step Towards a Fully Digital Land System
The innovative e-GIS platform signifies a complete overhaul of current land title application processes, turning them from predominantly paper-based to completely digital. Among other things, this pioneering system will enable Lagos citizens to easily apply for, verify, and request government surveys and certified true copies of land documents online, essentially sidestepping the need for intermediaries. Further, the system provides the added benefit of conducting these transactions from any place, at any time.
Nigeria’s Legacy of Digital Innovation Continues
Sanwo-Olu’s e-GIS portal follows in a long line of electronic documentation management systems in Nigeria, with origins that can be traced back to former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure. Tinubu’s Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) initiated the digitizing process, which his successor, Babatunde Fashola, subsequently furthered by incorporating electronic Certificates of Occupancy complete with advanced security measures to deter fraudulent activity. The new e-GIS now encapsulates all previous land records and transactional data since the 19th century into one unified platform.
The Smart City Vision for the 21st-century Lagos
Although the project faced initial roadblocks due to delays, the successful launch of the e-GIS portal is no less than a seminal moment in the transformation of land allocation in Lagos. In alignment with the aspirations of building a 21st-century smart city, the new system seeks to propound transparency, facilitate accountability, and enhance service delivery. Moreover, utilizing the Momentum Land Administration Solution software enables Lagos to enter the global scenario of technologically advanced cities implementing sustainable solutions.
Preparing for an Efficient Future
Urging his employees to welcome the new technology, Governor Sanwo-Olu promised the new system would tackle corruption, expedite transactions, and promote collaboration among different land administration agencies. The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, has reiterated the significance of a unified database integrating data from various state agencies. Newly established e-GIS units across these agencies would significantly assist in system maintenance and enhancing public trust.
In conclusion, this key digital transformation of land administration in Lagos state is a leap towards modernity. It is a prime news coming from the source of Reader Wall.
