On Tuesday, the Lagos State House of Assembly formally adopted the recommendations put forward by the Committee on Physical Planning and E-GIS concerning a pivotal bill designed to modernize land administration in the state. The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos Geographic Information Service,” seeks to harmonize all Geographic Information Service (GIS) projects within Lagos, creating a centralized, computerized database and integrated base map software for all land-related records.
The bill’s primary objective is to enhance service delivery to stakeholders by ensuring efficient, reliable, and transparent land management. This move is expected to significantly improve governance by integrating advanced technology into the state’s land administration framework.
The legislative process began on March 5, 2024, when the House deliberated on the bill and subsequently referred it to the Committee on Physical Planning and E-GIS for further scrutiny. The committee conducted a public hearing, inviting stakeholders to contribute their views, and received a memorandum supporting the proposed law.
Chairman of the committee, Ogunkelu Oluwadahunsi, presented the report during the House plenary session, emphasizing the bill’s critical role in advancing information technology infrastructure in Lagos. He stated, “The significance of the bill could not be overemphasised, as it meant a lot to the improvement of information technology and computerised central database in the state.”
Ogunkelu further explained that the bill aims to integrate governance with technological advancements by harmonizing all geographic information service projects. He added, “The bill aimed to prevent the illegal acquisition of geographic information and enhance valuable geographic data that will increase spatial capabilities and innovations that will drive social and environmental benefits across the state.”
Following the presentation, the lawmakers unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations, signaling strong legislative support for the bill.
This development marks a significant step toward leveraging technology for better land governance and sustainable urban development in Lagos State.
