Lagos State Government has introduced the electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) platform, providing residents with the capability to apply for, search, and verify land titles online across the state before making any purchase. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this remarkable development on Friday, highlighting that the e-GIS platform marks a significant digital transformation of land-related processes in the state.
The e-GIS platform represents a revolutionary shift from the traditional manual and paper-based method of land title applications to a streamlined digital platform. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this innovative initiative eliminates the necessity for intermediaries and agents in the land title application process, providing a more direct and accessible avenue for residents.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, “The e-GIS portal is a one-stop digital platform that sanitizes and revolutionizes the process of acquiring, documenting, and verifying land in Lagos. With the portal now live, applications for land titles have transitioned from the centuries-old manual paperwork into digital form, eliminating the need for middlemen and the associated costs applicants previously faced.”
One of the most significant advantages of the e-GIS system is its comprehensive database, which contains land-related data dating back to the 19th century, including land titles and transaction details. This means that individuals can now verify, search for, and apply for various land titles, including Governor’s Consent, from the comfort of their homes, with just a few clicks on a computer or mobile device.
The Governor further explained, “This innovative system has organized all archived land records dating back to the 19th century and merged them with all land titles, storing historical transactional data on every parcel of land in the State’s cadastra.”
This development is particularly significant in the context of the real estate industry in Lagos, which has often grappled with issues related to land sales without the necessary allocation and approval from the state government. Recently, the Lagos State Government had to intervene in a dispute between a real estate company and a buyer over the alleged non-allocation of land that the individual had purchased.
The introduction of the e-GIS platform promises to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and provide residents with greater confidence and convenience when dealing with land-related matters. It represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to modernize and digitize its administrative processes, ultimately benefiting both residents and the broader real estate sector.