The Kogi state government is set to begin full digitization of its geographic information system and all processes of land administration in the state.

The Director General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, TPL Kehinde Salihu-Otaru, disclosed during a working visit to his office by LugardTV team led by the special adviser on media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah.

Salihu-Otaru says the state is now developing a comprehensive digital land map as part of the plans to fully digitalize all land transactions in the state.

He explained that one of the biggest challenges he met on assumption of office was the absence of digitized layouts and reliable land records, an issue that had delayed decision-making and created long-standing inconsistencies in land management.

“When I came in, none of our layouts were digitized. For an institution responsible for administering land, that was a major setback. But every challenge is an opportunity. Digitization had to be our starting point”.

To close the gaps, the DG revealed that the Bureau is undertaking a full overhaul of the previously dormant Geographic Information System (GIS), adding that the new platform, upon being deployed, will securely capture, store, and manage land data, allowing faster, more transparent, and tamper-proof processes.

According to him, the digital upgrade will significantly reduce the processing period for Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) stressing that the digitization drive will help curb illegal land grabbing, encroachment, and overlapping allocations.

He further noted that the lack of accurate records had contributed to the misuse of the 16km radius reserved for government administrative development in the state capital, with some traditional rulers unlawfully allocating land within the zone.

Salihu-Otaru said the Bureau has however initiated engagements with communities affected by these irregularities and is working to recover encroached layouts through peaceful and constructive dialogue.

Beyond correcting past errors, the DG announced plans to establish “special development zones” for institutions and industries. These zones, he said, will be guided by organized layouts and digital mapping to support sustainable growth across the state.

Aligning the reforms with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s development agenda, Otaru stressed that a digitized land management system is critical to enabling the state’s industrial, infrastructural, and socio-economic development.

“The Governor has a clear vision for the growth of the state, and land is central to that vision. Our role is to provide a strong digital framework that supports major projects, from industrial parks to the newly approved free trade zone”.

Town planner Kehinde Salihu-Otaru also noted that provisions have been made in the Bureau’s budget for staff training to enhance capacity in modern land administration tools.