Speeches

Launch Of State-Wide Inter-Connectivity Network And e-Pay In Lagos State

Sep 11, 2008 - Information and Communication Technology is as much a tool of knowledge acquisition as it is a systems solution. Its place in institutional transformation is well established. Lagos State Government is driven by a vision to transform service delivery to the public. We believe that it is the responsibility of every generation to leave behind a much improved and more developed society than it met for the next generation - even beyond the obvious demands of today.

In order to optimize “service”, as distinct from mere “performance”, in government and to unleash any constraints on effectiveness and efficiency, we have increasingly placed technology at the disposal of governance and public administration.

In this administration, public policy in its formulation and implementation, is now conceived on the platform which ICT provides and the consequent expansion of the knowledge economy of Lagos State. Therefore, technology is already fully integrated into state development and economic planning. We have often stated and remain committed to the refrain that government should not plan for today or merely tomorrow but plan for the needs of the next 50 years in Lagos.

Consequently, we are here today to launch a State-Wide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Interconnectivity Network and e-PAY Application for Lagos State. This dimension of e-Government will provide Lagosians seamless access to public information, at any time and in any place without having to physically attend government offices; making regulatory, information, compliance, applications, payments, submissions and approvals easier and more readily accessible to the public. It is therefore an essential tool for the reform and modernization of this already pioneering State.

Likewise, state-wide interconnectivity will ensure better work flow and response to the public, from and between inter dependent and sometimes combined services of government agencies.

We firmly believe that “innovation knows no limits” therefore we will use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) creatively and strategically for the socioeconomic benefit of the State; we will not compromise in the accomplishment of our objectives, especially in strategic areas such as education, vocational training, medicine, data and statistics, poverty alleviation and others. Through this, the creation of more jobs, better self employment opportunities, higher Internet penetration, greater productivity, keen competition, trade and the delivery of a better economy for the next generation, are the inevitable outcomes.

Already there are greater expectations for Lagos, domestically and internationally. We are poised to continue to consolidate our position as a State that hosts a model city “where things work”- being a destination of choice for its residents, investors and tourists alike.

However there is gain in reiterating our collective and civic responsibility for the timely and voluntary payment of tax to fund development programs. We cannot but continue to improve the developmental outlook for the State. In doing so we must all place reliance on state revenue, which in turn is dependent on a diligent citizenry, respecting individually our legal duty to pay our taxes, thereby demonstrating support for the provision of infrastructure that will transform our communities.

We have shown our willingness to adopt change and best practices by deploying ICT in the areas of Security, “767” emergency line, revenue collection (ETCC), Vehicle Registration (Autoreg), Health (eHealth), land management (Registry Computerization), General personnel Administration (the Oracle data base) and many more. We certainly are on course to transform Lagos into a model mega-city for Africa and the world. The cost of doing business in our State will be positively facilitated. So much can now be done without getting on the road, transportation will be more efficient, traffic will be easier to monitor, fuel use will be better for the environment and our wallets.

This is yet another milestone on the path of rapid and continuous re-development in Lagos State.

Security will be improved through surveillance camera; the Lagos eye will be watching our roads and commuters

Once again, I congratulate each and everyone that has worked tirelessly on this project, adapting creatively, using uncharted methods, being demonstrably relentless and resolute - in the way Lagos is proudly renowned for.

For those that were involved in setting this system up for us, I thank you very much indeed for making it work. For all of you that will make use of it from now on, I say thank you also for your positive outlook and constant cooperation.

For those who think this is about revenue only, we invite you to see what we see; we see new jobs to fight poverty; we see improved health care through tele-medicine; we see efficient traffic management and a better economy and value for money. We see improved security and prosperity. We see a brighter and rewarding future.

Eko o ni baje o!

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE