Sanwo-Olu: All land transactions in Lagos will go digital by 2021

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, says all land-related transactions will go fully digital by the first quarter of 2021.

The governor disclosed this, on Wednesday, at the maiden real estate marketplace conference and exhibition organised by Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).

According to him, the plan is to further accelerate the process of getting approvals on land matters and to create an enduring business-driven property development market in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said the state’s department of lands had built the required capacity for a smooth transition to the online platform and that the plan is already in its final stage.

He explained that when the web-based platform is finally launched, there will be no need for applicants seeking certificates of occupancy (CofO), survey and building plan approvals to physically submit paper documents for authorisation.

“Applicants will do all documentation and payments from the comfort of their homes,” he said.

“We have improved on our GIS solution to accelerating land matters in Lagos. From the first quarter of next year, we will be launching an online platform on which all land transactions will be done. When the project kick-starts next year, there will be one-stop shop for all transactions relating to land, including Governor’s approval on CofO, and building approval by Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

“We have given our commitment on this, because of the need to improve the turnaround time from when people submit their requests for approval and the time the authorisation is completed. We cannot afford to disappoint private investors and applicants seeking real time approval. We are raising our capacity, so that we can respond to the requests and discharge them.”

Sanwo-Olu said there is need for massive regeneration of properties in the mainland part of the state.

He charged real estate investors and private developers to divert their investment to rebuilding the mainland and redistributing wealth from the business.