The state government of Lagos has announced plans to construct a forensic lab aimed at assisting police in criminal investigation in the state.
The state commissioner for Science and Technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje, said that government had acquired five hectares of land at Gayingbo beach Badagry for the project which will serve the entire African region.
He said the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was ongoing while soil test had been conducted on the project that will be driven by the Public Private Partnership.
“Considering the priority placed on the security of lives and properties of Lagosians, the State Government is working on the establishment of a forensic science laboratory with a view to complement law enforcement, criminal investigation and judicial system of Lagos, Nigeria in general and West Africa as a whole,” said Madabeje
He said the project will be implemented in phases, saying that the first phase, acquisition of land had been completed and compensation paid to the land owners.
The commissioner added that the government was involving the private sector in the implementation of the project due to the huge cost implication, saying the process of conducting an Outline Business Case to make it attractive for private partnership is ongoing.
He also disclosed that all was set for the deployment of 1000 Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) to complement the already installed 1000 CCTVs across the state.
The Science and Technology Ministry, according to the commissioner, has so far equipped 92 Divisional Police stations with Vehicle Exhibits and Information System to help the Police with recovery and return of stolen vehicles to the owners.
He added that the ministry was pioneering a number of ICT collaborations including, PPP on the development of state-wide broadband service, development of an innovation agency/incubation, adoption of $80 million worked-radio/surveillance camera network and setting up of e-learning systems infrastructure to support computer-based JAMB and WAEC exams.