The Ebonyi State Government has commenced the full digitalisation of its land management system as part of efforts to eliminate land grabbing, prevent document tampering and improve transparency in land administration across the state.
The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr. Mathew Edeagu Nwobasi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Nwobasi said the ministry had begun the process of archiving all land title documents into a digital database, describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening land administration and safeguarding property records.
According to him, the digitalisation programme will ensure that land documents are secured against unauthorized alterations and can only be modified with the knowledge and approval of the ministry.
“We are archiving all land title documents digitally. At the completion of this exercise, no document will be tampered with without the ministry's knowledge. This will help eliminate fraudulent practices and strengthen confidence in land administration,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state government was installing an automated land administration system to improve the management of land and survey operations across the state.
He also announced the introduction of a modern surveying monitoring system known as a “Revolver,” which, according to him, would enable real-time monitoring of surveying activities and enhance regulatory oversight.
As part of efforts to address the challenges associated with rapid urban growth, Nwobasi said the government planned to establish zonal Town Planning Authorities in the state's three senatorial districts.
He noted that the authorities would help ensure orderly development and effective physical planning in urban and semi-urban communities.
On infrastructure development, the commissioner revealed that the ministry had completed the enumeration of lands acquired for the dualisation of the Ngbo-Agbaja-Nwofe Road and assured affected property owners that compensation would be paid in due course.
He also disclosed that compensation had already been paid to residents of Nsurakpa Ezzangbo whose lands were acquired about 25 years ago for the establishment of Ebonyi State University.
Nwobasi said the ministry had significantly reduced boundary disputes and land title conflicts across the state through improved monitoring, mediation and intervention mechanisms.
The commissioner reiterated the government's directive to owners of plots in the Ngbabor Echara and Salt City Estates to develop their properties before the end of June 2026 or risk forfeiting them for reallocation.
He explained that the measure was aimed at discouraging land speculation, preventing criminal activities and promoting orderly development within the estates.
“We do not want government estates to become hideouts for criminals. Those who have been allocated plots are expected to develop them within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.
Nwobasi further disclosed that the state government was in the process of acquiring land for a Mega Housing Estate designed to provide residential opportunities for citizens across the state.
He added that the ministry had also acquired land for several strategic projects, including the University of ICT, Science and Technology at Oferekpe Agbaja and the Aeronautic and Aerospace Engineering University at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area.
According to him, land has equally been secured for the construction of the Naval Secondary School at Amachara Agbaja in Izzi Local Government Area, as well as the Renewed Hope Housing Estates located at Umuezeoka in Ezza North and Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
The commissioner maintained that the ministry remained committed to supporting the development agenda of the state government through efficient land administration, strategic urban planning and infrastructure expansion.
He noted that the various reforms and projects being implemented by the ministry align with the People's Charter of Needs policy of the administration and are aimed at entrenching world-class land management practices in Ebonyi State.
