The Lagos State government in Nigeria has introduced an electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) as a one-stop digital platform for accessing digitised data about state land. This innovation aims to revolutionise the land acquisition and documentation process, transitioning from manual paperwork to digital form.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the new system eliminates the need for middlemen in land title processing, reducing costs for applicants who previously engaged lawyers, surveyors, and registration agents.
The e-GIS portal allows individuals to verify, search, and apply for various land titles, including Governor’s Consent, from the comfort of their homes. The platform enables applicants to request government surveys on state land and apply for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of their property titles.
The digital initiative builds on the foundation of the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), initiated by former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which started the digitization of land title documents in Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of land in Lagos, describing it as a “golden egg.” He noted that the e-GIS portal has brought precision to the economic value of land while fostering transparent governance in land transactions. The governor expressed joy at the launch, emphasising his commitment to creating a 21st-century city where citizens can access land information and services efficiently.
The e-GIS platform is expected to streamline data integration among various government agencies involved in land administration, such as the Ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Environment and Water Resources, Science and Technology, Transportation, and Works and Infrastructure.
The initiative is aligned with the Smart City vision, promoting accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery. The new platform is anticipated to reduce transaction turnaround time on land acquisition and enhance overall efficiency in the land administration system.