GIS As a Tool for Efficient Functioning of Local Governments in Nigeria - Case Study of Ifako-Ijaye LGA in Lagos, Nigeria

This study demonstrated the importance of GIS as an indispensable tool for resource mobilization and service delivery in LGA administration in the developing countries. The case study area was Ifako/Ijaye, a metropolitan LGA in Lagos, Nigeria. Attempt was made to track the spatial asset base of the LGA using high resolution satellite imagery and GPS campaign and the data were integrated and analysed for economic returns within a GIS. The results show that there are about 18,947 properties (building stocks) and about 370.6 km of transport artery within the LGA. The property-facility ratio for the LGA is as low as 9,474 for parks/recreation, 4,737 for police station and 702 for clinics/health centres. The LGA can also make a conservative one hundred and forty-two million naira as internally generated revenue annually if GIS is employed. The study also discusses how the GIS database will assist in instituting transparency and efficient service delivery by LGAs in Nigeria.