The Lagos House of Assembly is considering a Lagos Geographic Information Service bill that will harmonise all geographic information service projects in the state.
The bill, which was discussed on the floor of the Assembly on Friday, is coming at a time when land ownership issues across the state are becoming more rampant.
As one of its purposes, the bill is expected to establish a digital, central database for all information relating to geospatial matters and related issues.
Presiding over the plenary session on Friday, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, who represented the speaker, Rt. Hon. Modushiru Obasa, noted that when passed, the bill would help in improving governance and boosting professionalism.
“It is targeted at integrating governance with advancements in technology. This is something we hope to always take advantage of so that our state can continue to be ahead in the area of development,” Ogundipe said.
In a statement made available to Ikeja Record by Obasa’s chief press secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, Ogundipe added that the Assembly will always make the residents of the state its focal point.
On his part, the chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester, said the bill “shows a commitment and sincere
sense of duty on the part of the legislators of the state to put people’s interests at heart…”
Ogunkelu described it as a bill that will cover the database of Lagos just as he commended the Speaker for his passion for the progress of the State.
“The bill will guide the government to have a database of everything concerning Lagos and in this case, you could be in your house and apply for a certificate of ownership on your property and have it without even visiting the Ministry.
“It will also cut sharp practices and curb fraudulent sales of land. For land, the database will have details of owners including their photographs,” he said.