The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Friday, held a public hearing for the Geographic Information Service Bill.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the new bill would harmonise all the geographic information service projects in the state.

The speaker was speaking at the one-day public hearing on the bill at the assembly’s complex.

The title of the bill is: “The Lagos Geographic Information Service Bill and other connected purposes”.

The speaker explained that the bill was aimed at establishing a computerised central database for all information relating to geospatial matters and related issues in the state.

According to him, the new bill will also cut sharp practices and reduce fraudulent sale of land.

For land, the database will have details of owners including their photographs.

Mr Obasa, represented by the chairman, House committee on information, Stephen Ogundipe, said the new bill, when passed, would also help in improving governance and boosting professionalism.

“Section 4 (2) of the bill says the agency’s responsibilities include introducing, implementing and sustaining best practices for all Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the state.

“As well as develop and maintain an online platform that will contain all information and statistics on geospatial-related matters.

“It is targeted at integrating governance with advancements in technology. This is something we hope to always take advantage of, so that our state can continue to be ahead in the area of development,” he said.

Chairman, House committee on physical planning and urban development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, said the bill showed a commitment and sincere sense of duty on the part of the legislators of the state, to put people’s interest at heart.

Mr Ogunkelu said today’s public hearing meant a lot to the improvement of information technology and computerised central database in Lagos State.

Mr Ogunkelu, who represents Epe II, described it as a bill that would cover the database of Lagos, just as he commended the speaker for his passion for the progress of the state.

“The bill will guide the government to have a database of everything concerning the state.

“In this case, you could be in your house and apply for a certificate of ownership on your property and have it without even visiting the ministry,” he said.

Rasheed Makinde, a former lawmaker, commended the House for its proactiveness, while some of the stakeholders suggested the involvement of professional bodies in the proposed law. 

(NAN)