CEM REPORT, REAL ESTATE | Lagos State has achieved a remarkable feat in land administration by introducing an electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) that provides digital access to all data related to the lands in the state.
The e-GIS portal, which was launched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday, is a one-stop digital platform that simplifies and modernizes the process of acquiring, documenting, and verifying land in Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a recent address, hailed the e-GIS as a “game-changer” for Lagos, stating, “I am pleased to announce that Lagos State has attained the most advanced stage in land documentation and acquisition by launching an electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS)”
From Paper to Digital
For generations, navigating the labyrinthine complexities of land acquisition in Lagos meant navigating a maze of manual paperwork, opaque processes, and often, the unwelcome presence of middlemen. This cumbersome system, riddled with inefficiencies and vulnerabilities, was a major hurdle for both residents and investors, stifling economic growth and deterring potential development.
But with the e-GIS portal according to the governor, the need for manual paperwork, middlemen, and associated costs that applicants previously faced has been eliminated.
“With the portal now live, anyone can verify, search, and apply for land titles, including Governor’s Consent, from the comfort of their homes at the click of a computer button. The portal also allows applicants to request for a government survey on any state land and apply for a Certified True Copy (CTC) on their landed property,” he added.
Impact and Role of e-GIS
The e-GIS portal is not only convenient and user-friendly but also secure and transparent. This user-friendly portal allows anyone, from seasoned investors to first-time buyers, to Verify Land Titles; Seamless Application Process; Transparency and Accessibility.
The portal has organized all archived land records dating back to the 19th century and merged them with all land titles, storing historical transactional data on every parcel of land in the state’s cadastre. This means that applicants can easily track the history and ownership of any land they are interested in, and avoid falling prey to fraudsters and land grabbers.
The e-GIS is expected to have a profound impact on various aspects of life in Lagos such as; improved ease of doing business, which will attract more investors, boosting economic growth and job creation. The e-GIS will provide valuable data for urban planning and development, leading to better resource allocation and infrastructure utilization. Information on land assets can be easily accessed
Lagos Sets the Standard for Land Administration
The launch of the e-GIS portal is part of the state government’s vision to make Lagos a 21st-century economy and a smart city. The portal will enhance the economic value of land in the state, as well as attract more investors and businesses. The portal will also improve the quality of service delivery to the citizens, as it will reduce the turnaround time and bureaucracy involved in land administration.
[READ ALSO] Lagos Aims to Become Africa’s Cocoa Capital with Three Processing Hubs
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his delight at the launch of the e-GIS portal, saying that it was a milestone in the state’s land administration. He said that the portal was a result of his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Lagosians and investors and eliminating bottlenecks that were associated with manually driven systems. He also commended the efforts of the Ministry of Lands and the e-GIS office for delivering the project, which he said was almost abandoned due to some challenges.
The launch of the e-GIS positions Lagos as a pioneer in land administration reform within Nigeria and Africa. This innovative system serves as a model for other states and countries seeking to improve transparency and efficiency in their land markets.
The e-GIS portal is accessible at [www.lagoslandbureau.com], where applicants can register and create an account to access the various services offered by the portal. The portal also provides a helpline and a feedback mechanism for users to report any issues or make suggestions.
Beyond e-GIS
The e-GIS portal is a welcome development for Lagos State, as it will revolutionise land acquisition and documentation in the state. The portal will also boost the state’s revenue generation, as well as its reputation as a leader in innovation and technology.
The e-GIS platform is a testament to Lagos’ commitment to innovation and progress. It serves as a beacon of hope for a future where land administration is efficient, transparent, and accessible to all. As Lagos continues to evolve into a global megacity, the e-GIS platform lays a robust foundation for sustainable and inclusive development, ensuring that every Lagosian has the opportunity to thrive on their own piece of the city’s vibrant tapestry.
However, the journey towards a fully digital and transparent land administration system is ongoing. Continued efforts are needed to raise awareness about the e-GIS platform, train users on its functionalities, and ensure its seamless integration with other government systems.
With its commitment to innovation and citizen empowerment, Lagos is paving the way for a future where land ownership is secure, transparent, and accessible to all.
