The Chairman of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), African Zonal Network, Mohammed Kabir, has commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his administration’s commitment to reforming land governance to promote development, enhance security, and attract investment to the state.
Kabir, who led a five-day technical mission to Ekiti, spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday during the Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration intervention programme themed “Strengthening Innovative Approaches Towards Enhanced Land Governance.”
The programme, organised under the Global Land Tool Network Catalytic Intervention Initiative, was a collaboration between the Ekiti State Government, the United Nations-Habitat, and FIG, bringing together key stakeholders in land administration across the state.
Kabir lauded the state’s strides in developing a statewide surveying and mapping framework, a Geographic Information System (GIS), and a modernised Land Information Management System — initiatives he said had drawn international attention.
He noted that with only about three per cent of Nigeria’s land formally registered, the country faces major challenges in national development, security, and planning. He praised Ekiti’s proactive measures as a model for improving land governance and economic growth.
“The international community recognises the strides being made by Governor Oyebanji and his team in improving livelihoods, strengthening security, and enhancing land governance,” Kabir said. “We are here to offer technical support, build capacity, and deepen partnerships that can help sustain these efforts.”
He added that accurate land data could empower local farmers and residents to access credit facilities and boost productivity through land-backed collateral.
Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Land Management, Akintobi Olusanmi, highlighted the state’s progress in digitising land processes. He said key infrastructure such as Continuous Operating Reference Stations had been installed, while aerial imagery of the entire state was being captured to ensure precision in planning and development.
Olusanmi further disclosed that the state’s comprehensive master plan project, initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding with the UN-Habitat in June 2023, was nearing a critical stage.
“The project has reached the contribution agreement phase, which is undergoing final legal review,” he said. “Once concluded, the drafting of the master plan will commence immediately and is expected to be completed within the first six months.”
