By The Lagos State Government is eager for a sustainable synergy between public and private sectors to generate funds for laudable projects and fast tracking of growth, particularly on its smart city project.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Lagos State chapter said it has presented a roadmap to the State Government on the smart city targeting security and traffic management.
In a keynote address at the 2019 NCS Lagos IT Conference and Annual General Meeting,(AGM) held in Lagos, South-West Nigeria,today, the Lagos State Commissioner, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Popoola Fahm, disclosed that many smart city innovations are revenue producing ventures from private sector companies.
According to him, the state will lead the drive for the integration of green or alternative sources to its energy mix saying that the conversion of the enormous waste into power is being considered.
Fahm who represented the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Kadri Hamzat said that as a 24-hour driven economy 21st century infrastructure and connectivity alone won’t be enough for the state noting that are already many challenges like online security, language and skills which can only be addressed through collaboration, coordination and cooperation with an ever increasing range of stakeholders.
He said that other areas wherein the state is seeking partner and collaboration with the private sector is the tackling of the challenges of traffic management and transportation in Lagos adding that presently there 10,000 High Definition (HD) CCTV surveillance cameras deployed across the length and breadth of the state to efficiently monitor traffic or streets activity and provide real-time data to security officials to minimize crime and enhance public safety.
He said that the complexity and scope of everyday life in Lagos is fertile ground for mountains of data generated every second but that the task before the state is in speedy implementation of the
underlying digital infrastructure including a network of data-collecting sensors and devices, comprehensive broadband and wireless networks, and platforms on which data can be stored and shared for proper analysis.
Fahm however observed that plans are already underway that will form the backbone for the delivery of thousands of devices and systems that will enable the Smart City vision.
He assured of the determination of the State Government to employ smart technologies to meet these challenges of societal transformation and to deliver on its six pillars of development he said
He added that in the light of the unfolding 4th industrial revolution, the State will key technologies that “will make it possible for us to do much more with less, while enlisting the active participation of residents in shaping the place they call home. From citizens, smart devices and government assets, Lagos will be able to directly collect data like weather, wind direction, road surtace temperatures, air quality, pollutants or even foot and vehicle traffic.”
Fahm said that accurate data capture for the purpose of real-time data analysis, will help government anticipate problems, plan ahead and make better decisions with regard to resource allocation, waste management, urban mobility, e-governance, better traffic management, crime monitoring and a host of technology driven governance solutions.
He promised that soon residents will have in their hands real time transparent information to help them make better choices be it selecting a residential area or deciding on the fastest route to work.
In an interview, the Chairman of NCS Lagos, Mr. Gani Adegboyega the Society is working with the state to give it a sustainable ICT roadmap that suit the status of Lagos as a mega city and meets its desired smart city project.
He said that the theme of the conference: ‘Information Technology: enabler of a Sustainable Lagos Economy’ falls in with its proposed roadmap adding that the roadmap, which it has submitted will address the smart city quest of the state such as traffic management and security.
Isaiah Erhiawarien
