by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Town Planning says, in the last 3 years it has approved 6,116 Certificate Of Occupancies, while 365 are awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Briefing Journalists recently at the NUJ Press Center in Jos, by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Town Planning, Barr Peter Nyan Gai, disclosed that 6,836 are of R of O.
According to him, during the last 8 years of the past administration, only three thousand (3,000) certificate of occupancy (C of O) were approved.
He said they embarked on landmark reforms aimed at modernizing land administration and improving service delivery, and gradual elimination of manual processes through digitization.
Workflow processes was reduced, from 46 stages to 25 stages for processing Rights of Occupancy (R of O) and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
The Commissioner further explained that the Ministry also redesigned and improved security features for Rights of Occupancy documents and also introduction of electronic signatures for Certificates of Occupancy.
Barr. Gai said the Ministry also collaborated with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and Licensed Surveyors for the restoration and installation of survey control signals.
While Development of in-house software solutions through SQCO to address slow processing challenges was done, they also acquired six additional software licenses and modern computer systems.
The Commissioner stated further that they also conducted site inspection reports supported by aerial imagery and digital mapping, saying, “This is to strengthen development control and planning regulations in both urban and rural areas. He added that, “Site inspections utilize geographic coordinates for improved accuracy.
He noted that there was “Active participation in the development of the Greater Jos Master Plan covering Jos North, Jos South, parts of Bassa, Jos East, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi. Participation in the preparation of Master Plans for Riyom, Mangu, and Heipang Urban Centres; and acquisition of land and preparation of layouts in support of the Time Is Now Administration.”
He also said the ministry has recorded remarkable improvements through the closing of revenue leakages through stronger internal controls, with mandatory attachment of original receipts and multiple verification processes.
Barr. Gai disclosed further that they have improved on digitization and electronic capturing of files and records, which has strengthened the ministry’s database management systems.
The Commissioner noted that the Ministry has the challenges of shortage of professional and technical staff, inadequate energy backup systems and server downtime.
He said there is also the need for full upgrade of the GIS platform, and also there is the need for additional logistics support for field operations.
“The Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Town Planning has recorded significant progress through transformational leadership, institutional reforms, staff development, and technological innovation.
“These efforts have enhanced efficiency, improved service delivery, strengthened revenue generation, and positioned the Ministry as a key driver of sustainable development in Plateau State.
“However, sustained investment in manpower, technology, infrastructure, and logistics remains essential to consolidate these gains and achieve the Ministry’s long-term vision,” Barrister Gai stated.