The Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) has made significant progress in resolving land disputes in Kaduna State. According to the Director General of KADGIS, Dr Bashir Garba Ibrahim, the agency has resolved over 5,000 land disputes and reinstated more than 150 titles that were unjustly revoked in the last three and a half years. This achievement is a result of the directives of Governor Uba Sani to resolve all cases inherited from past administrations.
Dr Ibrahim disclosed this information at a townhall meeting attended by professional bodies, traditional leaders, land agents, government agencies, and other stakeholders. The meeting aimed to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and citizens-centred land administration in Kaduna State. The Director General also highlighted the reforms introduced by KADGIS to ease land administration in the state under the present administration.
One of the key reforms introduced by KADGIS is the registration and accreditation of land agents. Additionally, the agency now requires the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) for land title processing. These measures aim to ensure that land administration in Kaduna State is more transparent and efficient.
KADGIS has also resolved several high-profile land disputes in the state. For instance, the dispute between the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria and the Graceland community has been resolved. The dispute led to the demolition of over 200 properties in 2021 due to alleged land encroachment. Furthermore, communities displaced at Alhudahuda Zaria following the demolition of 92 houses in 2015 have been given alternative plots.
The agency has also provided new land titles and alternative plots to former residents of Malali low-cost Kaduna, whose houses numbering 80 were demolished in 2021. The land titles of CANES Properties have been restored, and SCOA has been given alternative plots at Kudenden. Moreover, the dispute between Olam and the host community has been resolved.
The townhall meeting was convened to engage stakeholders and ensure that the reforms introduced by KADGIS are effective. Dr Ibrahim emphasized that the agency is committed to providing efficient and transparent land administration services to the people of Kaduna State. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to provide feedback and suggestions on how to improve land administration in the state.
The incident of property demolition was heightened under the past Government of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. However, the current administration has made significant progress in resolving the disputes inherited from past administrations. With over 5,000 land disputes resolved and 150 titles reinstated, KADGIS has demonstrated its commitment to providing efficient and transparent land administration services in Kaduna State.
Key points
- KADGIS resolves over 5,000 land disputes in Kaduna State
- The agency reinstates more than 150 titles that were unjustly revoked
- KADGIS introduces reforms to ease land administration in Kaduna State
