From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
The Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning has introduced major improvements in land administration, revenue generation, and service delivery following sweeping reforms under the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Peter Nyan Gai, made the disclosure in Jos, where he outlined the ministry’s challenges and achievements.
According to the commissioner, the ministry inherited several operational setbacks, including outdated equipment, poor office facilities, a stagnant Geographic Information System (GIS), revenue leakages, slow service delivery, and low staff morale.
To reverse the trend, the ministry embarked on extensive reforms centered on digitization and institutional restructuring. One of the most significant achievements, Gai revealed, was the reduction of the processing stages for Rights of Occupancy and Certificates of Occupancy from 46 to 25 steps, dramatically improving efficiency and reducing delays.
The ministry also introduced electronic signatures for Certificates of Occupancy, established a centralised dispatch system, enhanced document security measures, appointed additional deed registrars, and secured land for both state and federal industrial development projects.
In the survey sector, the ministry strengthened professional compliance standards, collaborated with licensed surveyors to restore survey control signals, developed in-house software solutions, and acquired modern software licenses and computer systems to improve operational efficiency.
On physical planning, the commissioner said digital mapping and aerial imagery have been adopted for site inspections, while development control mechanisms have been strengthened.
The ministry also played a critical role in the preparation of the Greater Jos Master Plan and urban development plans for Riyom, Mangu, and Heipang.
Gai further highlighted improvements in staff welfare through office renovations, capacity-building programmes, wellness initiatives, transportation support, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, and the construction of a modern boardroom.
He noted that automation and enhanced accountability systems have significantly blocked revenue leakages, leading to improved internally generated revenue for the state.
While celebrating the gains, the commissioner acknowledged challenges including shortages of professional personnel, obsolete equipment, inadequate funding, insufficient power backup systems, and the urgent need to fully upgrade the ministry’s GIS platform.
He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would further strengthen land administration and position the ministry as a key driver of sustainable development and economic growth across Plateau State.