By Bridget Tikyaa
Benue State Government has recorded significant strides in land administration since Governor Hyacinth Alia took the reins of power in the state. The government has been driving progress and innovation, introducing cutting-edge solutions to issues of land administration and solid minerals development.
One key achievement of the administration in the area of land administration is the streamlining of land acquisition processes, thereby reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in obtaining land title, and raising investors confidence in the system.
The reinvigorated system has made federal and private organisations to be scrambling for land particularly in Makurdi, the state capital. Some of these institutions have already received their land titles and have commenced development, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the state. Some of the government agencies include the Nigerian Navy which got land to set up a permanent naval base to enhance security in the state, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Land was also allocated for a conversion plant for the waste-to-wealth initiative. The International Organisation for Migration also received land for the construction of temporary shelter for internally displaced persons, while 100 hectares was allocated to Federal Housing Authority to build affordable houses, and 50 hectares for the Renewed Hope Housing Estate.
In line with the administration’s policy on urban renewal, an exclusive layout has been designed for Commissioners, State Assembly Members and High Court Judges. Also, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has been allocated 11.02Ha land to install a 132 KVA substation at Zongo Akiki Mbalagh, in Makurdi Local Government Area while enumeration has been done and forwarded to TCN headquarters, Abuja for payment of compensation to the natives.
The government has similarly created new layouts in Ushambe Kyondu Usha, Mbamar, Mbangyor Phase IV, Akweate Neighbourhood in Otukpo, Mbawa Layout along Makurdi-Gboko road, and Mbatseese mbashimbe layout at the former Gboko forest, along Gboko-Lessel. All these are to expand access to housing.
The Ministry of Lands under the supervision on Barr Martin Shaagee has carried out enumeration for dualisation work on the Makurdi-Otukpo-9Mile federal road, with computation of data reaching advanced stage for payment of compensation to claimants.
The government has been able to create a thriving solid minerals sector that drives economic growth and development in line with the administration’s blueprint while ensuring environmentally sustainable and socially responsible mining, in tandem with extant laws and global best practices.
The Mineral Resources Exploration and Management Committee (MIREMCO) was set up to ensure that alll mining companies operating in Benue state were verified to ascertain their level of compliance with extant laws, ensure they have the consent of both the Government and Community, and determine if they pay the appropriate royalty. So far, they have not disappointed.
The Alia administration has also been enhancing geological surveys and mapping, supporting artisanal and small-scale miners, and encouraging investment and private sector participation for enhanced revenue drive.
In a bid to minimize bureaucratic bottlenecks, ICT experts were engaged to train staff of the Ministry, to ensure seamless data capturing of land title applicants and digital capturing of landmarks to curb land disputes.
In driving the changes in land administration, the government carried along the traditional rulers, youth and community leaders to ensure harmony and total support.
The government has also updated the state’s survey and mapping data, thereby enhancing urban planning and infrastructure development. This is necessary to ensure transparency in land administration in order to drive sustainable benefits from the state’s land resources.
Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy
