BY SALAU TAWAKALITU YEWANDE
The Lagos State Government is poised to revolutionise the Planning Approval process with the introduction of an Electronic Physical Planning Permit Process System.
The Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban. Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde disclosed on Wednesday during the Y2024 Ministerial Press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, organised to mark the first year of the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration at Alausa, Ikeja.
The Special Adviser, who presented the report on the achievements of e-GIS and the Office of Urban Development, reiterated that the innovative system would enable building approval to be obtained in just 10 minutes, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for stakeholders.
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.
