In a bold leap towards land administration reform, the Edo State Government has registered over 9,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) between February and April 17, 2025.
The remarkable feat was disclosed by the Managing Director of Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Dr. Tony Ikpasaja, during a courtesy visit by executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council.
Dr. Ikpasaja, who was appointed in January 2025 by Governor Okpebholo, revealed that this achievement came despite operational challenges inherited from the past administration,including the shutdown of EdoGIS systems by a consultant employed under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
From February to date, we’ve captured and processed over 9,000 Certificates of Occupancy using our new software,compared to just 1,000 recorded between 2023 and early 2025 under the previous setup, he stated.
The EdoGIS boss noted that the agency has acquired cutting-edge equipment to enhance productivity and fast-track the application process. He added that upon assuming office, his team inherited over 7,500 unattended files, which are now being systematically cleared.
Ikpasaja urged land and property owners across the state to legalise their ownership by registering with the agency, assuring them that all applications would be processed promptly and securely.
Our system is now foolproof. Once your application is in, your land is secure,nobody can duplicate or tamper with it. We’re operating under World Bank standards and international best practices, he assured.
To further decentralise services and make land registration more accessible, EdoGIS has opened new offices in Auchi and Ekpoma to serve residents in those regions.
One Response