LASRRA registers Seven Million, drive wider Coverage with LASCOTA
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Science and Technology, Ibilola Kasunmu; Hon. Seyi Lawal; LASRRA’s General Manager, Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola and another stakeholder at the event
The Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) has successfully captured seven million residents in its database.
This milestone was highlighted during its maiden jamboree programme with the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, LASRRA’s General Manager, Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola, said the jamboree programme was part of the agency’s proactive strategy to bring registration services closer to residents.
“While our database currently has about seven million people, we recognise that to achieve even greater coverage, we must engage residents directly,” she said.
Adebiyi-Abiola explained that LASRRA had previously visited various local governments and LASCOTA sub-units to educate members about the importance of registration for accessing Lagos State services and benefits.
“Too often, people realise at the last minute that they need this information and rush to register for LASRRA card. Our approach is proactive, ensuring residents are informed and prepared,” she added.
The event also brought together complementary state agencies, including LASHMA and LSCTF, enabling participants to raise questions, resolve issues, and access services on-site.
“By providing a level playing field, we make it easier for residents to interact with multiple agencies without unnecessary hassle,” Adebiyi-Abiola noted.
Highlighting the accessibility of LASRRA services, she said offices are available in every local government area and Local Council Development Area across Lagos State.
“Residents don’t need to go far; the nearest LASRRA office can attend to them efficiently,” she emphasised.
Adebiyi-Abiola described the partnership with LASCOTA as highly effective, noting that members were cooperative and receptive to registration efforts.
She added that ongoing engagement with local organizations remains key to expanding LASRRA’s reach beyond the current seven million residents in the database.
“The jamboree marks a significant step in our mission to ensure every Lagos resident is registered, empowered, and able to access government services seamlessly,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Identiko Integrated Solutions Ltd, Mr. Jide Agbaje, urged artisans and tradesmen to embrace a unified professional identity to unlock economic opportunities and recognition.
Agbaje, who was represented at the event by Mr. Bamikole Ajayi, emphasized the theme: “One Identity, One Lagos: Building Stronger Futures for Our Tradesmen and Artisans.”
He described artisans as the backbone of Lagos, whose skills power the city’s economy from builders in Apapa to hairdressers in Ajegunle and shop owners in Idumota.
Agbaje noted that despite their critical role, many artisans operate in isolation, facing challenges such as limited trust from clients, fragmented operations, restricted access to finance, and a lack of collective representation.
“Today, we are moving from being unsung heroes to respected, prosperous professionals,” he said.
Agbaje said central to this vision is the Lagos State Residents ID (LAG-ID) card, described as a “professional passport” for artisans.
He said the card provides proof of residency, access to government services, micro-credit facilities, skill acquisition programs, and digital platforms to showcase verified skills, as well as allows artisans to participate in government-supported initiatives, access larger contracts, and integrate into the digital economy.
“Agbaje noted that despite their critical role, many artisans operate in isolation, facing challenges such as limited trust from clients, fragmented operations, restricted access to finance, and a lack of collective representation.
“Today, we are moving from being unsung heroes to respected, prosperous professionals,” he said.
Agbaje said central to this vision is the Lagos State Residents ID (LAG-ID) card, described as a “professional passport” for artisans.
He said the card provides proof of residency, access to government services, micro-credit facilities, skill acquisition programs, and digital platforms to showcase verified skills, as well as allows artisans to participate in government-supported initiatives, access larger contracts, and integrate into the digital economy.
“The LAG-ID establishes credibility, opens doors to financial and business opportunities, and ensures artisans are counted and visible in policymaking,” Agbaje said.
“It empowers tradesmen and artisans to move from informal, isolated work into structured, scalable, and recognized professions,” he added.
The keynote outlined a three-pronged approach to building stronger futures: capacity development through training and modern tools; access to finance and markets via loans, cooperative systems, and government procurement; and digital identity and innovation to connect artisans with customers across Lagos and beyond.
Agbaje concluded with a call to action, urging artisans to register for the LAG-ID and embrace a collective identity, while leaders and Lagosians must invest in infrastructure, skills, and recognition programmes.
“The strength of a city is not in its buildings but in the hands that build them. In Lagos, those hands belong to our artisans. One Identity, One Lagos is our promise for a stronger, unified future,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Prince Seyi Lawal, Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Science and Technology, described the LASSRA card as a critical tool for citizens to access the benefits of democracy and state-led development programmes.
Speaking on the significance of the LASSRA card, Lawal highlighted that registration is more than a bureaucratic exercise, as it is a gateway to participation in Lagos State’s socio-economic initiatives.
“It’s a very laudable programme we put together to ensure everyone has access to the benefits and dividends of democracy,” he said.
He emphasised that possessing a LASSRA card signified inclusion in the state’s comprehensive data system, dubbed “Better Lagos,” which enables residents to access key opportunities.
“With this card, you can access loans, quality education, and participate in upcoming state projects,” Lawal explained.
The lawmaker described the initiative as a transformative tool for Lagos residents, noting that it provides a structured means of identifying and supporting citizens in both public and private sector programmes.
“Being registered is not just about identification; it’s about empowerment and ensuring that every Lagosian can fully benefit from government services and developmental projects,” he added.
