In a major step toward fully digitised public services, the Lagos State Government has launched the automation of the Lagos State Indigene Certificate, marking a new chapter in its drive for efficiency, transparency and inclusive governance.
The initiative, championed by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, signals Lagos’ determination to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and strengthen identity verification through technology-driven solutions. It also reflects the state’s broader agenda of building a responsive, data-backed and citizen-focused public service ecosystem.
At an expanded stakeholders’ meeting themed “Lagos State Indigene Certificate Automation: A Step Towards Modernisation,” representatives of government agencies, traditional institutions and key partners discussed strategies for a seamless rollout of the digital framework.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, described the automation project as a transformative reform that will accelerate service delivery and curb long-standing issues associated with manual certification.
Represented by the Director, Safety Arena Clinic, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Sokunbi, he noted that the digital registry replaces a paper-based system prone to delays, falsification and inefficiencies.
According to him, the new platform aligns with the forward-looking governance vision of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and demonstrates Lagos State’s commitment to innovation, transparency and fair access to public services.
He listed key benefits of the automation, including faster processing, online tracking, improved data security, digital transparency, broader accessibility—especially for vulnerable groups—and strengthened inter-agency efficiency.
Mr. Oyerinde called for strong collaboration among traditional rulers, civil servants, private sector players and citizens to ensure the successful implementation of the new system.
In his opening remarks, Honourable (Dr.) Olawale Age-Suleiman, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, praised the Ministry for organising a well-focused programme aimed at empowering genuine Lagos indigenes.
He highlighted the recurring challenge of non-indigenes falsely presenting themselves as Lagosians during recruitment and empowerment exercises.
He urged traditional rulers, baales and chiefs to conduct thorough verification before endorsing certificates of origin, stressing that accurate identification will safeguard fairness and ensure that true Lagosians receive the privileges meant for them, and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to equity, inclusivity and stronger community partnerships.
Speaking on the operational framework, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sesan Ogundeji, represented by the Director of Administration and HR, Mr. Olawale Aguda, explained that the automation is essential to meeting the rising demand for indigeneship certification across education, employment and other sectors.
He noted that institutions such as Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Science and Technology and Lagos State University of Education now require indigene certificates for admissions, underscoring the need for a streamlined digital process.
Mr. Aguda stated that the new platform enables eligible applicants to complete the entire process online without visiting government offices. He added that the rollout would be phased and enriched by inputs from stakeholders, expressing confidence that the digital transition will deliver a faster, more transparent and user-friendly experience for Lagosians.
A detailed presentation was also delivered on the ongoing development of a Naturalisation Management System for Lagos State, designed by Qista Technologies Ltd. Through demonstrations, Qista highlighted the shortcomings of the manual certification process—including unverifiable claims, delays, community conflicts and revenue leakages from fraudulent documents.
The new automated solution features secure QR-coded certificates, cryptographic authentication, multi-factor verification for users and officers, AI-driven document screening, seamless payment integration and automated applicant notifications. A real-time monitoring dashboard will allow local governments and MDAs to manage applications efficiently.
Qista further assured stakeholders of strong data governance systems, including restricted access to sensitive identity information, role-based permissions and full audit trails to ensure accountability and compliance with data protection laws.
The system, the company said, is designed to benefit traditional leaders, immigration and civil defence officers, government institutions, and applicants anywhere in the world. An implementation roadmap and impact metrics were shared to guide deployment, curb false indigene claims and preserve the cultural identity of Lagos State.
