Apparently to ensure ease of doing business in Lagos State, government has set in motion modern technology by which land, tax and justice administrations would be conducted, a move that professionals in the built environment considered to be overdue.
Commenting on the backdrop of the pronouncement by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode last week on the plan, Mr Seyi Akinlotan, a developer, was of the view that apart from reducing stress occasioned by bureaucracy, the move will save time, money and engender efficiency.
“The best way to ensure sustainability of Governor Ambode’s transformation programme and ensure a smart city phenomenon is to depart from the analogue form of transactions that were hitherto the trend, both in land and tax administrations.
“Lagos, as a mega-city, with a lot of complexities, automation of land, tax and justice system, being contemplated by the government is a welcome development. It will go a long way of addressing issues associated with these sectors, especially, land and tax matters,” he said.
Another observer, Mr Moroof Alimi, a surveyor, who shared similar sentiment, also urged Ambode to ensure the actualisation of the plan.
“I’m aware that Lagos Land Bureau has been contemplating, or engages in automation of some aspects of its responsibilities, but I would want the governor to put his weight behind the move to ensure its total implementation as soon as possible,” Alimi stated.
It would be recalled that Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, last week revealed the strategies being adopted towards moving the State from mega city to smart city, just as he said that his administration has put in place policy framework for a technology-driven land administration and mapping, tax administration and justice administration.
Speaking at an international conference held at Eko Hotels as part of activities marking the Lagos@50 celebrations with the theme: ‘Towards A Smart City: Preparing For The Next 50 Years of Prosperity,’ Governor Ambode said the government has completed modalities for the take-off of the digital switch, all of which he said would come on stream in the coming months.
The governor acknowledged that for the state to be prosperous in future and occupy its pride of place among city states, concerted efforts must be geared towards equipping the youth with technological and educational skills they can use to develop solutions to challenges.
He said the future prosperity of Lagos is dependent on how well the young ones are equipped technologically and educationally, adding that in line with such, the state government was already focusing on driving growth through key areas such as ICT, transportation, ease of doing business and tourism.
While alluding to the theme of the conference, Governor Ambode said if Lagos must become a smart city, the next 50 years of the state must cut out a path to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary but also inspirational with passion for development.
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