Speeches

Stakeholders Forum On Lagos State Digital Mapping And Geographic Information System (GIS) Project

Jul 15, 2008 - Barely a year ago, precisely on June 15, 2007, I made a remark to visiting delegates from the World Bank and Department for International Development (DFID) (U.K.) on the need for the provision of a fully digital mapping and enterprise Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Lagos State.

Consequent upon which a five man Advisory Committee of experts in the field was set up with the Surveyor- General of the State, Surveyor M. A. O. Durowoju as Chairman. That Committee was mandated to examine and recommend the best sustainable mapping and GIS solution for Lagos State.

The report of the Advisory Committee was presented to the Executive Council meeting of Monday 10th September 2007 and a Technical Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Femi Hamzat, the Hon. Commissioner for Science and Technology was constituted.

Let me seize this opportunity to thank members of the Advisory and Technical Committees for their diligent and professional approach to the task assigned to them.

After consideration, Consultants were invited for bidding and through rigorous due process and transparency; contracts were subsequently awarded to the various companies considered to be competent in handling different modules of the mapping project.

For convenience and operational effectiveness, the Lagos State Digital Mapping/Enterprise GIS is broken into seven major components:
1. Geodetic Control and Digital Aerial Photo Acquisition;
2. Determination of Geoid Model and Establishment of Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS);
3. Orthophoto, Contour lines and Digital (vector) Mapping;
4. GIS Database and Enterprise GIS;
5. Bathymetry Survey of Lagos Lagoons and Creeks;
6. Supply of Equipment and Training;
7. Public Enlightenment & Education.

Our administration is determined to create a mapping product, which will be used for the sustainable development of the State that has assumed the status of a mega city with a population of 18 million and growing. This objective will be achieved by providing comprehensive spatial information using the latest and best available mapping technology, and fostering consensus on key issues and actions, which will lead to the development of innovative and proactive public policies.

In view of these, we sought for technical expertise in Surveying, Mapping and GIS that could partner with Lagos State Government in developing our knowledge capital and generate state of the art digital maps.

Our administration’s approach to innovation is to engage stakeholders and communities across the State in dialogue for development. Because of the enormity of this project, we have started building human capacity in order to address the shortage of highly skilled workers to achieve the desired result in transforming Lagos to the mega-city of our dreams.

The innovative policy framework adopted by our administration for the development of Lagos State calls for the generation and sharing of information with organized private sector, developing skilled and knowledgeable workers, support for commercialization, including business and market development assistance.

Building Lagos State’s capacity for sustainable development is about improving knowledge and ability at all levels, so that social, economic and environmental considerations are thoroughly integrated in decision-making processes.

In order to make the choices that can advance sustainable development, it is essential to have the required information to support sound decision-making and the ability to use it.

We have resolved to create a suitable environment for advancing sustainable development by improving our ability to make positive decisions. For Lagos State, our focus is on resource development and use.

We shall have recourse to multiple databases, which shall be seamlessly integrated into a true enterprise solution. Consultants with extensive domain knowledge
in government operations and requirements, renowned for knowledge in land development, registration, surveying, mapping, economic development, and utility/infrastructure management and maintenance have been retained to adapt modern technologies to better serve Lagos State’s needs.

The mapping products that will be delivered under this Project will be at the scale of 1:500 for metropolitan Lagos and 1:1,000 for rural areas. The other products include: Orthophoto (1:2,000), contour lines (1:500 – urban and 1:1,000 in the rural area), Digital Elevation Model and Digital Terrain Model. In addition to the traditional use of Mapping products within Lagos State, the products could be used for the following:

1. Environmental monitoring
2. Engineering and Construction
3. Real Estate Development
4. Flood Plain Mapping
5. Telecommunication Planning
6. Navigation
7. Physical Planning
8. Transportation Planning

Our administration shall encourage all stakeholders in the public and private sectors to interact with the consultants during the implementation of the projects to ensure that their interests have been adequately taken care of.

I believe that with this forum, today marks another significant step in the systemic transformation of Lagos State into a mega-city with the provision of adequate infrastructure that will further uplift the living standards of the people and enhance the process of governance.

I wish you a happy deliberation and thank you for your attention.

God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Executive Governor,
Lagos State