By Simeon OSAJIE
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
has commended Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) for being the leading light in Nigeria’s drive towards achieving a sustainable and enhanced Land Titling, Registration, and Documentation Programme in the Country.
The Director/HOD, Department of Lands and Housing Development of the Ministry, ESV. Alabi Collins, FNIVS, gave the commendation when he led a delegation from Abuja on a courtesy visit to EdoGIS on Tuesay in Benin City.
According to Alabi, the Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme is aimed at modernizing land administration in the Country and making it easy for GIS outfits across the States of the Federation to access World Bank Support/funding.
Alabi disclosed that the visit to EDOGIS was part of a nationwide sensitisation mission conducted in partnership with the World Bank, adding that it was “a landmark reform initiative designed to modernise land administration across the country.”
Key objectives of the programme, he disclosed, include strengthening security of land tenure, improving access to housing finance, unlocking capital tied up in untitled land, and boosting Internally Generated Revenue for States.
ESV. Alabi commended EdoGIS and the State Government for the existing collaboration with the Federal Government, particularly in the identification and documentation of Federal lands within the state, describing the Agency “as a model of the kind of cooperation the programme seeks to encourage nationwide.”
He, however, called on the EdoGIS Managing Director and his management team to formally commit to the programme and submit a state-level NEEDS Assessment to access World Bank funding, pointing out that a Presidential launch of the initiative is scheduled for July at the State House, Abuja ,with State Governors expected to be in attendance.
The Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in Edo State, Valerie Osaretin Daubry added her voice to the appeal, urging EdoGIS to articulate a clear vision and project proposal so that the State does not miss out on the funding opportunity.
Responding, the Managing Director, EdoGIS, Dr. Innocent Bello, who received the delegation warmly, thanked them for the visit and for acknowledging the already institutionalised and strategic role EDOGIS is playing in shaping land reforms and administration in Nigeria.
While he committed to the idea behind the Federal government’s initiative, Dr. Bello took the delegation on an intellectual excursion into the concept, formation, evolution, and modest success story of EdoGIS, emphasising the resolve by the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo to continue to maintain a leading position in the land administration sector anchored on the Ease of Doing Business in Edo.
Thereafter, the Managing Director pledged his full support and cooperation and that of his management team to the initiative, affirming EdoGIS’ readiness to engage with the programme for the advancement, growth , good governance of the State, and prosperity of its people and the nation at large.
The high point of the visit was the presentation of a working document on the programme by ESV. Alabi Collins to the Managing Director, Dr. Innocent Bello.