The Kogi State Government has launched a comprehensive overhaul of its geographic information and land administration system through the Kogi Geographic Information System (KOGIS), aimed at curbing illegal land allocation and improving efficiency across the state.
The Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, TPL Kehinde Salihu-Otaru, revealed this during a working visit by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, alongside the LugardTV team.
He explained that despite the initial launch of KOGIS in 2020, the system continued to face persistent challenges, including overlapping allocations, unauthorized encroachment, and delays in issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
“The lack of accurate land records has been a major setback for decision making in the state. With this overhaul, we are creating a tamper-proof digital system that ensures fairness, accountability, and faster land services for all citizens,” he said.
Salihu-Otaru added that the Bureau is engaging communities affected by irregular allocations to recover encroached lands through constructive dialogue. Plans are also underway to establish “special development zones” built on organized layouts and digital mapping to support industrial and infrastructural expansion.
According to him, the overhaul aligns with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision for efficient land management central to the state’s industrial, infrastructural, and socio-economic development. He noted that the new digital system will support major state projects, including industrial parks and the newly approved free trade zone.
He further disclosed that funds have been allocated for staff training to build capacity in modern land administration tools and ensure sustainable implementation of the KOGIS upgrade.
