The Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) To Property Rates Administration in Lagos Mainland, Nigeria

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Date
1999-12
Authors
Uluocha, N.O
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Abstract
Property rate is one of the major sources of internally generated revenue to the Lagos Mainland Local Government (LMLG). However, presently property rate is poorly administered in the area. This is largely as a result of certain human, logistic, technical, environmental and data/information management problems. Consequently, the Local Government loses a significant amount of money, since the annual revenue yield from property rates is often notably low. In this research a computer-based system - PRAGIS (Property Rates Administration Geographic Information System) - was developed with a view to tackling the identified problems. Basically, the development of PRAGIS was hinged on the premise that property rates administration cannot be effectively and efficiently carried out without adequate use of relevant, accurate, timely and comprehensive geographically referenced digital information. Developing PRAGIS involved two broad tasks namely (i) gathering of relevant spatial property data from cadastral maps and aerial photographs and non-spatial property data from Valuation files, (ii) developing a computer-based GIS to capture and manage property databases. The techniques used in this research were found to be potentially useful for enhancing property rates administration in the following areas: a) Proper acquisition and handling of accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date spatial and non-spatial property information. b) Quick production and updating of reliable tax maps. c) Reliable, quick and comprehensive valuation of rateable properties. d) Intelligent accurate budgeting of expected annual revenue from rates. e) Timely provision of reliable information on the number, location, composition, distribution and payment status of both tenements and ratepayers, f) Quick preparation and dispatch of Bills (Demand Notes), Warning Notices and Sealing to deserving ratepayers. g) Timely monitoring, detection and recording of significant changes in the property stock. Based on the research findings, it is strongly recommended that for the administration of property rates to be smoothly conducted, and for the annual revenue yield from rates to be remarkably improved, the Lagos Mainland Local Government should urgently adopt some policy and technological reform measures. The various processes of property rate administration need to be precisely defined and a technology such as GIS which can easily integrate and manage both spatial and non-spatial property records should be implemented. However, more research needs to be done on the feasibility and viability of adopting a GIS for rates administration in the study area and beyond
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos
Keywords
Internally Generated Revenue , Technological Reform Measures , Digital Information , Property Databases
Citation
Uluocha, N.O (1999). The Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) To Property Rates Administration in Lagos Mainland, Nigeria. A Thesis Submitted to University of Lagos School of Postgraduate Studies Phd Thesis and Dissertation, 247pp.