The Lagos State government has disclosed that 6,500,000 residents have been registered on the state’s database since the initiative to provide a unique identification number for citizens commenced.
The state overnor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made disclosure on Wednesday during the re-inauguration of the Lagos State resident identity card at Ikeja GRA.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the upgrading of the LAG ID card from an ordinary plastic card meant only for identification purposes, to a smart, multi-purpose card, was borne out of the need to provide citizens access to security, finance, mobility, and government services among others.
He said, “Since the commencement of this initiative in 2011, LASRRA has continued to make progress in delivering on its mandate, providing a unique identification number for every enrolled resident. So far, we have registered 6,500,000 Lagosians on the database, and are looking to register another 10 million after today’s launch, and before the end of this year.
“Today’s re-launch event is borne out of the need to embrace change and align with global best practices. What we are doing is upgrading the Lagos State Residents card from an ordinary plastic card, meant only for identification purposes, to a ‘smart’, multi-purpose card that combines biometric identification with other functionalities and benefits, that cuts across areas such as security, financial services, mobility and access to government services and amenities.”
The General Manager of Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Mrs Ibilola Kasunmu, said, “We are glad to announce that we have been able to secure the partnership of several private sector players on this laudable project as we needed to ensure the card remained free to the residents of the state. Residents are not expected to pay for the card.”
“Ministries, Departments, and Agencies will be able to leverage the database to validate residents for the purpose of delivering such services as health insurance, pension administration, school allocation based on residential addresses, and many more social amenities. These include the ability to pay for Lagos State transportation services (through integration with the Cowry card), pay toll gate fees (through collaboration with Lekki Concession Company), and so on.”
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