Benue Initiates Land Reform, Signs 3,000 Title Documents

In Makurdi

The Benue State Government has signed over 3,000 certificates of occupancy as part of the ongoing reforms in land administration in the state. 

The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr  Bernard Unenge released the figure yesterday at a session with journalists, saying Governor Samuel Ortom “has already signed the land title documents.

At the session, Unenge maintained that the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS) which was started in 2020 is about 70 percent completed while the digitalization and capture of files is 60 percent completed.

Unenge explained that the capturing of data through flying and auto photo has been completed. About 10 local governments have been completed and put to use. 

“Even if you are in Otukpo, you can demand for C-of-O and it will be given with dispatch,” the commissioner disclosed while explaining the resolve of the government to reform the state’s land administration.  

He said other 15 towns “are being processed. We are also carrying out quality control to ensure that what is captured corresponds with what is on ground.”

“The building project is about 70% completed. We hope that by August, the entire service centre will be completed. We are targeting October for commissioning of the project,” Unenge disclosed.

He frowned at the attitude of youths  harassing land developers and extorting money from them, describing the act as illegal and illicit, saying it “is not permitted by law.

He said: “They should not be encouraged to continue in this act. Benue youths should engage in meaningful ventures to earn a living rather than harass members of the public who toil hard to set up structure.”