Kogi Govt Launches GIS Overhaul to Enhance Land Administration

Kogi Govt Launches GIS Overhaul to Enhance Land Administration

Kogi State Government has officially launched a comprehensive overhaul of its land administration system through the Kogi Geographic Information System (KOGIS), to curb illegal allocation and enhance land administration across the state.

The Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, TPL Kehinde Salihu-Otaru, disclosed this during a working visit to the Bureau by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, and LugardTV team.

He explained that while KOGIS was initially launched in 2020 during the previous administration, many challenges persisted, including overlapping allocations, unauthorized encroachments and delays in issuing Certificates of Occupancy (CofO).

“The lack of accurate land records has been a major setback for decision-making in the state. With this overhaul, we are creating a tamper-proof digital system that ensures fairness, accountability and faster land services for all citizens,” he said.

Salihu-Otaru added that the Bureau is engaging communities affected by irregular allocations to recover encroached lands through constructive dialogue. Plans are also underway to establish “special development zones” guided by organized layouts and digital mapping to support industrial and infrastructural growth.

According to the Director-General, the overhaul aligns with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision for Kogi State, noting that efficient land management is central to the state’s industrial, infrastructural and socio-economic development stressed that digitized system will support major projects, including industrial parks and the newly approved free trade zone.

The DG also disclosed that funds have been allocated for staff training to enhance capacity in modern land administration tools, ensuring that the KOGIS overhaul is effectively implemented and sustained.