…The Enugu Geographic Information System (ENGIS) Initiative
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!…A Game Changer in the Fight Against Land Grabbing and Promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in Land Transactions
Land grabbing, a perennial problem that has plagued Enugu State for years, is set to become a thing of the past with the initiation of the Enugu Geographic Information System (ENGIS) by the Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s led administration. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency in land transactions, positions Enugu State as an attractive destination for investors, and a beehive for economic growth.
At its core, the Enugu State Government has led the successful implementation of the ENGIS, via a Stakeholders’ engagement conversation with executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and President-Generals (PGs) in Enugu State, sensitizing them on the benefits of the ENGIS, and seeking their support as well as cooperation on the implementations process.
During the engagement sessions, the Enugu State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie, explained as follows: “the ENGIS system makes it possible for landowners to view their property from anywhere in the world, carry out searches, and eliminate the activities of land grabs. “ENGIS provides seamless experience for investors and individuals, by enabling online land transactions, reduced human interference, increased land value and revenue generations for the state.”
Hon. Okorie further emphasized saying, “Any land without titled registration has less value, but a land with registered title, has much value as it is an unlocked asset. We are committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and support to ensure that the ENGIS is successful and beneficial to all stakeholders and Ndi –Enugu,” Okorie added.
Commissioner for Lands and urban development second from left in a group pic with executive members of Nigeria Bar Association Enugu State
To this effect, some participants of the engagement without hesitation, embraced the ENGIS initiative as a welcome development, particularly Mrs. Nkechi Okeke, who noted same in her words, “I have been trying to get a title for my land for years, but the process has been slow and frustrating. “With the ENGIS, I hope to finally get the title to my land and be able to use it as collateral, to access loans and other financial services,” she stated.
Groups stakeholder leaders, Barr. V.C. Odoh and Chief Arinze Ogbodo, commended the Enugu State Government for its initiative and also seeked to know the functions of the ENGIS in the State; its legal backup, cost implications, how secured it , and most importantly, the duration for the obtainance of C of O?
In his response, the Hon. Commissioner expatiated that the ENGIS will function as a digital platform, providing real-time information on land ownership, transactions, and mapping. He also confirmed that in support of the ENGIS, the Enugu State Government have enacted laws such as the Enugu State Geographic Information Services (ENGIS) Law and the Enugu State Properties Law, to provide a legal framework for the digitalization of land records, protections against land grabbing, and the promotion of transparency.
Regarding the cost implications, the Commissioner stated that the ENGIS will be designed to generate revenue for the state through efficient land transactions which will reduce corruption and in turn, minimize cost implications.
Hon. Okorie also assured that the ENGIS will be secured through robust cybersecurity measures, including data encryption and secure servers, to help protect the system from unauthorized access, while the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) will be streamlined by the ENGIS to significantly reduce the duration of its availability.
The Hon. Commissioner took the ENGIS sensitization campaign to various media outlets, such as Sunrise FM 96.1, Afia Radio and TV, Signature TV, Arise TV, Channels TV amongst others, to educate the general public on the activities, importance, and benefits of the system.
The ENGIS initiative is expected to have positive impacts on the state’s revenue generation, enabling the state government to accurately assess and collect property taxes. Additionally, the ENGIS will provide a platform for the state government to monitor and track land use, ensuring that land is used for the intended purposes to help prevent land grabbing and speculations.
Earlier in his address, Hon. Okorie, stated that His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has declared additional parts of the State as Urban areas with the aim of promoting deliberate and guided development in these locations. Hon. Okorie disclosed that this move is part of His Excellency’s passion to develop Enugu State. “The governor’s vision is to make Enugu State a model for urban planning and development, as well as, the declaration of additional urban areas, is a key step towards achieving this vision,” Hon Okorie stated.
As the Enugu State Government under the leadership His Excellency Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, continues to implement the ENGIS, it is clear that this initiative has the potential to transform the state’s economy and improve the lives of the citizens with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and security.
The Enugu State government is totally committed to providing the necessary infrastructure support towards ensuring the success of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS).
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