Lokoja, Nigeria
The government of Kogi State in central Nigeria has announced a major digital overhaul of its land management system, aiming to tackle illegal allocations, curb corruption, and streamline processes for investors. The initiative centres on a comprehensive revamp of the Kogi Geographic Information System (KOGIS), which officials hope will create a transparent, tamper-proof record of all land ownership in the state.
Addressing Historical Challenges
Speaking during a recent visit to the Bureau of Lands, the Director-General, TPL Kehinde Salihu-Otaru, acknowledged that while KOGIS was first introduced in 2020, its implementation faced significant hurdles.These challenges often mirrored wider issues across Nigeria’s land sector, including:Overlapping land allocations: Multiple Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) issued for the same plots. Unauthorised encroachment: Illegal seizure and development of public or private land. Protracted delays: Lengthy waiting times for the issuance of CofOs and other essential documents.“The lack of accurate land records has been a major setback for decision-making in the state,” Mr. Salihu-Otaru explained. “With this overhaul, we are creating a tamper-proof digital system that ensures fairness, accountability and faster land services for all citizens.”
Strategic Development and Recovery
The digitisation effort is central to the vision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who sees efficient land management as key to unlocking industrial and infrastructural growth. The new system is expected to:Support major projects: Provide clear, dispute-free land for upcoming ventures, including new industrial parks and the recently approved free trade zone.Establish ‘special development zones’: Create organised layouts guided by digital mapping to encourage targeted investment. Recover illegally held land: The Bureau is engaging in community dialogues to constructively address and recover lands affected by irregular or fraudulent allocations. The Director-General confirmed that funds have been allocated not only for the technological deployment but also for staff training, ensuring that Bureau personnel are proficient in modern, digital land administration tools to sustain the KOGIS overhaul effectively. The move is expected to be closely watched by international investors and development partners, as clear and secure land titles are often cited as a critical factor for boosting foreign direct investment in African economies.
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