8th May, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it has demolished 301 distressed buildings across the state in the last one year.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde disclosed this at a ministerial news conference on Wednesday.
He revealed that 354 distressed buildings were earmarked for demolition across the state out of which 85 percent had been demolished.
In his words: “85 percent of the 354 of the identified distressed buildings in the state has been removed including those built under powerline.”
Meanwhile, Babatunde said the state government is poised to revolutionise the Planning Approval process with the introduction of an Electronic Physical Planning Permit Process System.
The Special Adviser reiterated that the innovative system would enable building approval to be obtained in just 10 minutes, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for stakeholders.
He recalled that the e-GIS project began in 2016 and gained momentum in 2021, when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu outlined a strategic plan for its implementation, saying 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.
Babatunde said “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.”