…Commends Agency’s DG, Management Team for Positioning GOGIS as Model of Public Sector Innovation
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has commissioned the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) Field Office at the Shehu Abubakar District, describing it as another major milestone in his administration’s drive to modernize land administration, promote orderly urban development and strengthen economic growth.
This was contained in a statement signed by the DG Press Affairs Gombe state government house,Ismaila Uba Misilli made available to newsmen.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Governor said the establishment of the field office represents the culmination of one of the most transformative reforms undertaken by his administration since assuming office in 2019.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled that his administration inherited a land administration system plagued by fraud, inefficiency, poor record keeping and widespread distrust among citizens.
According to him, obtaining land titles and Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) was previously characterized by delays, corruption, and administrative bottlenecks, while the absence of proper planning threatened the orderly development of the state capital.
He explained that the creation of GOGIS and its sister agency, the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA), was aimed at restoring order, protecting property rights and rebuilding public confidence in land administration.
The Governor noted that as part of efforts to transform the urban landscape of Gombe, his administration established the Gombe Special Capital Development Zone, which gave rise to strategic developments such as the Shongo Gardens Layout, Shehu Abubakar District, and the Special Agro-Development Zone.
He described the Shehu Abubakar District as one of the most significant achievements of the urban renewal programme, revealing that the state government invested over N24 billion in road and drainage infrastructure as well as public facilities including schools, hospitals, police and fire service stations, and places of worship.
“When we came into office, this area was gradually turning into a slum with unplanned developments and inadequate infrastructure. Today, it has been transformed into a modern, organized and thriving district that any capital city would be proud of”, the Governor stated.
He emphasized that throughout the redevelopment process, no properly documented landowner was deprived of his property, noting that affected landowners were granted the right of first refusal and enjoyed a 70 percent discount on land charges.
The Governor expressed satisfaction that GOGIS has evolved into one of the flagship successes of his administration, adding that its innovative model of land administration and urban development is now attracting attention from several states across the country seeking to replicate its success.
The Governor used the occasion to reveal plans to commence a statewide land recertification exercise, which will require landowners to present existing manual title documents for alignment with the digitized records maintained by GOGIS.
Governor Inuwa commended the management and staff of GOGIS under the leadership of its Director-General for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence, which he said have positioned the agency as a model of public sector innovation and service delivery.
He equally appreciated stakeholders and members of the public for their support and cooperation throughout the implementation of the reforms.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Director General, Gombe State Geographic.Information Systems (GOGIS), Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, remarked that the commissioning of GOGIS field office is another milestone in the journey of reforming land administration in the State, while building institutions that will outlived individuals and administrations.
Dr. Hassan recalled that since the establishment of GOGIS, the State has witness an ambitious land administration reforms in Nigeria, revealing that under the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the agency has digitized over 45,000 land records, established more than 52 layouts, regularized close to 18,000 customary titles, introduced digital certificate of occupancy and generated over 7.5 billion naira in land related revenues.
The Director General assured those with plots within the Shehu Abubakar District that their rights are protected by the Executive Order issued by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
While paying tribute to the Governor, the Director General maintained that, “for nearly six years, you provided the courage required to undertake reforms many considered impossible. You allowed professionals to perform their responsibilities without interference.”
In a goodwill message, a former Director in the Abuja Geographical Information System and a renown land administrator in the State, Dr. Isa Jalo Waziri, said with all the challenges land reforms possesses, it is critically important for urban planning, design, growth and development.
He expressed his gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for establishing GOGIS which, according to him, brought tremendous progress in land reforms and administration across the State.
While giving an overview of the project, the Permanent Secretary, Gombe State Ministry of works, Danladi Adamu, revealed that Gombe State Geographical Information System (GOGIS) field office was awarded to Hokti Services Nigeria Limited at the cost of 202 million in January 2026 with the completion period of 12 weeks of which the contractor adhered to.
Highlight of the occasion was the official commissioning of the office by the Governor who was flanked by the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the APC gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, and other top government functionaries.
