By Olasunkomi Akoni & Gbenga Akanmu
Chair-man, ad-hoc Committee on Science and Technology of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Omowunmi Edet, Wednesday, said when the residents’ registration law was passed, it would ensure proper identification of residents and facilitate implementation of development projects.

She spoke at a public hearing on a bill for a law to establish the Lagos State residents’ registration agency and related matters.

The Bill, when passed into law, will provide information for social welfare, security, business and employment opportunity for the residents.

“We have had so many issues before now concerning certain communities in terms of being marginalised, while some residents complained of giving priority to some areas and because we don’t want to be seen as a state that is not responsible, that is what gave birth to this bill,” she said.

Stakeholders, on their part, appreciated the state government and the House for their commitment to democracy.

Mrs. Oluwole Olufunke, who is a legal consultant, said the bill should be able to define who a resident is, adding that some are not residents of Lagos but do most of their activities in the state.

On her part, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti advised that the bill should provide data protection to avoid piracy of the data.

“Members of the board should have integrity while other agencies should be scrutinized. The information should not be used for negative purpose and should be accessible to the public,” she said.

The state Commissioner for Justice, Supo Sasore, noted that the bill would create data-driven planning atmosphere for the state government and its environs.

The bill has 16 sections and stated the functions of the agency, among others, as provision of residents’ card, facilitating unified planning and implementation of development projects.