In a bid to better manage the open spaces and setbacks in Lagos, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a fintech firm, eTransact.
The Memorandum, Investors King reports will regulate the use of the setbacks and Incidental Open Spaces (IOS) to improve the state’s internally generated revenue while enhancing beauty and physical orderliness in Lagos State.
The pact was signed by the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, to ensure smooth partnership between Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA) and the fintech company.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Omotayo Bamgbose-Martins, who was represented by Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr. Olajide Babatunde and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Oluwole Sotire signed for the state government while the Managing Director of eTransact, Mr. Niyi Toluwalope and Group Head, Legal of eTransact, Ms. Eme Godwin signed for the company.
In a statement, the eTransact promised to implement an integrated digitalised solution for the data collection and management of revenue collection through the use of technology, adding that businesses occupying setbacks and open spaces will be well monitored to further increase IGR of the state.
According to Babatunde, the official public-private partnership would ensure proper management of the environment.
He noted that there will be better accountability and growth in IGR to further serve the interest of the people of Lagos.
In his remarks, Toluwalope said that the partnership will improve social development, develop solutions on data collection and proper use of setbacks and open spaces through digital means.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to build an attray and prosperous city for all in partnership with the state government.
He said: “eTranzact is a premier technology solutions company in Nigeria. Today we are partnering with the Lagos State Government and LASPEMA for the enumeration and data management of the occupants of the setbacks and incidental open spaces within the City. We are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide this service.
“The Lagos State Government has taken this laudable initiative to identify the setbacks, enumerate the people on these setbacks, do the necessary data capture, and manage the entire setback infrastructure in the state so that it is structured; following the proper model for setbacks, improves beautification, improves transparency within the environment and ensures that our critical urban infrastructure is well laid out properly to ensure Lagos functions as a major critical landmark with global recognition.”
