VISAFONE BOSS TASKS LAGOS GOVT ON ICT

LAGOS - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Visafone Communications Limited, Mr. Sailesh Iyer, has called on the Lagos State Government to take advantage of information technology, which his firm can provide, to promote the state's economy and boost its revenue generation.

Iyer who spoke when the Visafone management team visited the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, said the firm 'is at the vantage position to effectively drive Lagos economy through info-tech infrastructure.'

Iyer, accompanied by the Chief Operating Officer of the firm, Mr. K. Srinivasa; Chief Marketing Officer, Parag Sen and Head of Corporate Communication, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale, said Lagos 'is a good example from which other cities in the world can learn good and positive lessons.'

Iyer explained that the state government could partner with Visafone to drive its Private Public Partnership, which would in turn generate substantial revenue for the state.

He commended the state government for implementing lauding projects such as the Bus Rapid Transit BRT, and the state on-going light rail project, which he explained, offered opportunities to generate more revenue, especially if the state could tap into the information technology to drive its economy.

'We can partner in several areas to see how information technology can help develop Lagos economy. This can improve revenue of the state and funds generated can be used to develop critical infrastructure in the state.

'We can also think of how we can insure common man through info-tech infrastructure in case of emergency situations. We will be at home to work out areas of partnership with the state government. In the modern world, public-private partnership is key to growth and development,' Iyer said.

He added that the government 'has created security and comfort zone for investors. We have good stories about Lagos. What is unique about Lagos BRT? It is what other cities around the world should learn from. We are ready to partner wherever we can.'