FIC Report (Edo State) – In a significant endorsement, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has lauded the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) for its exemplary role in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize land titling, registration, and documentation processes nationwide.
The commendation was conveyed by the Director and Head of the Department of Lands and Housing Development at the Ministry, ESV. Alabi Collins, FNIVS, during a courtesy visit to EdoGIS in Benin City on Tuesday. Leading a delegation from Abuja, Collins highlighted EdoGIS’s pioneering efforts as a model for successful collaboration between federal and state land agencies.
Alabi explained that the Land Titling, Registration, and Documentation Programme aims to overhaul land management in Nigeria, making it more efficient and accessible. He emphasized that the programme also seeks to facilitate access to support and funding from the World Bank for GIS organizations across the federation.
“This visit is part of a nationwide sensitization campaign in partnership with the World Bank,” Collins stated. “It is a landmark reform initiative designed to modernize land administration throughout Nigeria.”
He outlined the key objectives of the programme, which include enhancing land tenure security, improving access to housing finance, unlocking capital from untitled land, and increasing internally generated revenue for states.
ESV. Collins praised EdoGIS and the Edo State Government for their existing collaboration with the Federal Government, especially in identifying and documenting federal lands within the state. He described EdoGIS as “a model of the cooperation that the programme aims to foster nationwide.”
He urged the agency’s management to formally commit to the initiative by submitting a state-level NEEDS Assessment to qualify for World Bank funding. Collins also announced that the programme’s official launch is scheduled for July at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with participation from state governors.
Adding to the call, Valerie Osaretin Daubry, Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in Edo State, urged EdoGIS to articulate a clear vision and project proposal to ensure the state benefits from the available funding opportunities.
In response, EdoGIS Managing Director, Dr. Innocent Bello, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the recognition of the agency’s vital role in land reforms and administration in Nigeria. He provided an overview of EdoGIS’s history, achievements, and ongoing commitment to maintaining Edo State’s leadership position in land management, aligned with the state government’s focus on improving the ease of doing business.
Dr. Bello assured the delegation of EdoGIS’s full support and cooperation for the federal initiative, emphasizing the agency’s readiness to engage actively in the programme to promote good governance, economic growth, and prosperity for Edo’s residents and Nigeria as a whole.
The visit culminated in the presentation of a working document on the programme by Collins to Bello, outlining the key steps for collaborative implementation.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda.
ACI&PRO FIC Benin.
May 20th, 2026
