Legislators Approve Bill to Establish Centralized Geographic Information System in Lagos

The Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a major legislative step by adopting the recommendations of the Committee on Physical Planning and E-GIS regarding a bill that will establish the Lagos Geographic Information Service. This law aims to harmonize all geographic information projects, providing a centralized, computerized database and integrated base map software for managing land records efficiently.

The bill was first discussed in the House on March 5, 2024, before being referred to the relevant committee for detailed scrutiny. The committee conducted a public hearing to engage stakeholders and received a supporting memorandum.

Chairman Ogunkelu Oluwadahunsi, presenting the committee’s report, emphasized the bill’s transformative potential: “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.”

He explained that the bill is designed to integrate governance with technological progress by harmonizing geographic information service projects across Lagos. “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,” Ogunkelu added.

The House members unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations, signaling a strong legislative consensus on the importance of the bill for Lagos’ land administration and governance.