Yobe State government has inaugurated the state’s Geographic Information Service, a digital platform to enhance land administration and management in the state.
Governor Mai Mala Buni who disclosed this during the inauguration of the platform in Damaturu, said the establishment of the Yobe State Geographic Information Service, YOGIS, marked a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to adopt global best practices in land management.
Buni 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, to curb land grabbing, racketeering and scams, all land vendors must register for proper records and security before operating.
He added that all commercial businesses including filling stations, hotels, bakeries, water factories, private schools, and corner shops, must settle their dues.
Buni said a 25-year Damaturu masterplan had 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.
YOGIS Director-General, Dr Abdullahi Gana said the agency has so far generated and remitted N179 million from processing fees from April 2021 to date.
Gana also said the agency has secured grant to the tune of N1.3 billion from the World Bank for projects, adding that ” YOGIS has helped in reducing land disputes and crises by more than half since its creation,’’ he said.