Lagos to digitise housing delivery process

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to digitise two core departments in the Ministry of Housing.

It is to fast-track data processing for increased efficiency and reduce inconveniences occasioned by prospective allotees and investors.

The plans, the state government said, would enhance access to housing and reduce its deficit.

Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the Estate Department is responsible for processing applications for home ownership,  while the Physical Planning and Survey Department interfaces with prospective joint venture partners.

According to Akinderu-Fatai, the automation process starts with the departments.

The departments, he noted, interact with the public either in handling applications for home or managing enquiries from private developers and investors who may be interested in partnering with the state.

He said: “It is our belief that the digitisation process will bring conveniences to all as information can be accessed and exchanged between the ministry and the public at all times.

“It will also bring about improved productivity and real time data processing since the documents of all prospective allotees and investors can be verified online.

“The digitisation process will not only help to fast track processing of documents but also aid data collection, promote greater resource management as well as protect archival documents for future references.

“This is in response to global trends of increasing system proficiency and ease in work processes.”

To achieve the SMART City project, Akinderu-Fatai said, there was need to embrace global best practices automation of the data base.

Permanent Secretary Wasiu Akewusola urged investors to collaborate with the state government in development of housing sector.

He added that all encumbrances impeding delivery of affordable housing have been eradicated with the automation of the system.