UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled plans to establish a comprehensive digital land registry system aimed at eliminating land ownership disputes, enhancing transparency, attracting investments and significantly increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Hon. Ubong Inyang, disclosed this during a public hearing on the proposed Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information Service (AKWAGIS) held on Monday at Luton Park, Uyo.
According to Inyang, the proposed AKWAGIS will consolidate and digitise all land ownership, urban planning, surveying and mapping records into a centralised, secure and easily accessible database.
He described the initiative as a strategic reform that would modernise land administration and position Akwa Ibom as an investment-friendly destination.
“AKWAGIS will serve as a multi-sectoral catalyst for sustainable development by improving the ease of doing business and attracting foreign direct investment.
A digital register will guarantee a single source of truth, eliminate overlapping claims and fraudulent double allocations, while automated land administration will plug revenue leakages and boost the state’s IGR,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that real-time geospatial data would also enhance government decision-making in infrastructure development, environmental management and urban planning.
“Land is the primary source of wealth, but secure and transparent land administration is the key that unlocks that wealth for societal advancement,” Inyang stated.
He added that the passage of the bill would demonstrate that Akwa Ibom is prepared for the future and committed to transparent, technology-driven governance.
Representing the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the member representing Ikono State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana, said the proposed Geographic Information Service would provide a modern framework for effective land management, property documentation, infrastructure development, environmental protection and investment promotion.
He noted that the initiative would reduce land-related disputes, improve revenue generation and strengthen government planning through accurate geospatial data.
Nana emphasised that effective land administration and spatial planning have become indispensable tools for sustainable development in an era driven by data and technology.
He called on stakeholders to work collectively towards building stronger institutions, improving accountability, protecting public interests and creating a prosperous future for coming generations.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal, Hon. Sampson Idiong, said the proposed legislation would simplify access to land information, reduce delays in land transactions and promote transparency in land administration.
Idiong explained that the system would also help resolve boundary disputes involving government and host communities by providing accurate and verifiable geospatial information.
He added that the initiative would protect government-owned assets, including schools, hospitals and other public facilities, from encroachment through proper mapping and continuous monitoring.
The lawmaker noted that modern Geographic Information Systems have proven effective globally in strengthening land administration, supporting infrastructure development, improving revenue generation and reducing land-related conflicts.
He further stated that the initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda by deepening transparency, strengthening governance structures and boosting investor confidence in Akwa Ibom State.
