Land Scams: Yobe Gov Inaugurates Digital Land Administration System

Yobe State government has inaugurated a digital platform to enhance land administration and management in the state known as Geographic Information Service (YOGIS).

Governor Mai Mala Buni who disclosed this during the inauguration of the platform in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, said the establishment of YOGIS marked a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to adopt global best practices in land management.

He said the digital system is expected to increase revenue generation through titling, lease, consent, mortgages, surveying, mapping, ground rent and perfection of titles.

According to him, all land vendors must register for proper records and security before operating to curb land grabbing, racketeering and scams.

He added that all commercial businesses, including filling stations, hotels, bakeries, water factories, private schools and corner shops must settle their dues.

Buni stated that a 25-year Damaturu masterplan has been approved as part of the state’s urban development plan with experts set to commence work on the project.

“Similar masterplans will be developed for other major urban areas including Potiskum, Nguru, Gashu’a, Geidam and Buni-Yadi,” he added.

He expressed optimism that YOGIS would provide seamless and effective services to clients, marking a new era in land administration and management in the state.

Director-general of YOGIS, Dr Abdullahi Gana, disclosed that from April 2021 to date, the agency has generated and remitted N179 million from processing fees.

He also said the agency secured grants to the tune of N1.3 billion from the World Bank.

Gana added that, “YOGIS has helped in reducing land disputes and crises by more than half since its creation,’’ he said.