The Benue state government has joined the ranks of other states in Nigeria to digitalise land administration. JOHN SHIAONDO reports on the reason for this landmark development in the state.
Recently, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state performed the inauguration and ground-breaking ceremony of Benue State Geographic Information Service (BENGIS).The ceremony which took place on September 30, 2020, was regarded as a step by the state government to revolutionise land administration.It could be noted that globally, there is a growing concern for a modern land information system to ensure a sustainable resource inventory, planning, development and distribution.
Reason for GIS
GIS is one of the modern methods that is now being embraced and used in the computerisation of land records as well as enhancing the process of land registration in Nigeria.
This underscores the reason why many state governments in Nigeria are beginning to adopt GIS in their land administration processes.With the success story of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), other states such as Lagos, Niger, Bauchi, Cross River, Nasarawa, and now Benue,are establishing their respective GISs.
The adoption of GIS technology in land administration and management by the Government of Benue state government is believed by many as potentially helping in providing accurate and reliable information on all land and buildings that are captured into the system.
Many people also believe that the adoption of GIS technology by the government will help in the development of efficient and organized land markets, guarantee tenure security among land owners, increase revenue generation by the government, reduce disputes among land owners as well foster prudent land management by establishing an efficient system of land administration.
Their belief is based on the fact that computerised land information systems through GIS is now the most appropriate technology in the reformation of cadastral systems and land administration all over the world.
Remarks
A university lecturer, Dr James Ashiakpe said, “Practically, the adoption of GIS for land administration purposes would undoubtedly bring a lot of benefits and promote sustainable national development in Benue state.”
According to the university don, to enhance good land administration and governance in this modern era, modern institutions such as the Benue State Geographic Information Service (BENGIS) need to be provided for improved and informed decision-making as well as policy formulation.
“I believe with the coming on board of the modern land information system in the state, the long period of time it used to takes to verify title for land would be drasticallyreduced.
“It will encourage land transactions in the formal markets since every potential buyer would want to verify from the GIS whether the title to the land is genuine and free from any encumbrances,” he added.
It could be noted that the state government over time has been in dire need to step up its revenue drive so as to implement the laudable developmental programmes of construction of roads, provision of health, educational, water and electricity facilities to better the lives of the common citizens.
To this effect, it is expected that BENGIS would provide the needed geospatial information to support the relevant MDAs, organisations and professional bodies to optimise their performance in the areas of revenue drive and access to timely and precise information to assist in policy formulation as well as effecting changes to existing policies in the light of emerging new realities.
Speaking on the time limit of the contract and some benefits of the project, the GIS Project Manager, Mr Mario Bajouk, said the project would be fully completed within 24 months, and according to specification.
He further disclosed that when completed, every property is expected to be captured and issued with titles within a short time, adding that the process would also help on issues of litigations and land disputes as the digital certificate of occupancy (C of Os) would be more authentic.
Ortom’s remarks
Governor Ortom while performing the inauguration and ground-breaking ceremony declared that the project marked a milestone in the history of his administration and could not have come at a better time.
According to him, the project would address the numerous challenges associated with land administration in the state as well as support improved urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management and encourage private investment.
He said BENGIS would ease the acquisition, registration and documentation of land in the state as well as issuance of title documents.
The governor further said the project, which would be supervised by the state Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, would operate throughout Benue with a service centre in Makurdi, the state capital and additional service points at Gboko, Otukpo and Adikpo.
He further noted that each of the four centres would have a modern office infrastructure built to professional standards with 24/7 power supply and ICT platform with internet access.
The governor also said the project is expected to be completed within two years and was awarded based on the Turkey Solution.
“This means that the contractor, GIS Transport Ltd will design, build, operate and transfer management of the project to Benue state government.
“As a responsible Administration that responds to the needs of our people, this project is conceived to transform land administration in line with international standards and correct the lapses that have hindered seamless administration.
“We all must collectively join hands to maintain and protect the facilities of this project social especially as it represents an innovative investment by the government.”
Commissioner justifies project
Also while speaking on the relevance of the project to Benue, the state commissioner for ands, survey and solid minerals, Bernard Unenge said features of BENGIS would include, digital aerial mapping, staff training, one-stop shop for land services including survey, town planning, land administration, solid minerals identification, valuation, e-payment and collection platform.
The commissioner emphasised on importance of BENGIS innovation in relation to the commencement of implementation of the Land Use Designation order of 1996.
He said the law was an Act of Parliament which empowers state governments to control lands in designated towns or local government areas aimed at rapidly developing selected towns into urban centres, as well as improve revenue generation at the third tier of government and generally boost the economy of the local councils and related investments.
Hon Unenge described the advantages of GIS to include, digital aerial mapping of the state, prompt issuance of C of Os, identification of solid minerals resources, staff training, systematic recertification, regularisation and registration as well as planning and development control, streamlining the process of transfer of ownership of land, eliminating land speculation and generally enhance transparency and accountability in land management, as well as enhanced security on land ownership.
The commissioner appreciated Governor Ortom for being proactive in providing good governance through innovative mediums designed to enhance effectiveness, productivity, promote transparency and accountability.
Speaker pledges support
In his remarks, the speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Titus Uba, represented by the deputy speaker, Chris Adaji, commended, the governor and commissioner for the project, adding that it would completely change the scope of land administration in the state for good.He promised full support of the legislature in actualizing the project for the betterment of Benue people.
