Article
Governor Alia, BENGIS, and the Digitization of Land Administration and Security
By Bridget Tikyaa
When Governor Hyacinth Alia approved the creation of the Benue Geographic Information Services (BENGIS), and signed the Executive Order for its takeoff, its mandate was clearly spelled out: to digitize land administration, support infrastructure development, and contribute to making Benue State safer.
According to Mr. Terna Kawen, Director of Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement at BENGIS, this initiative aims to fast-track the processes involved in awarding statutory land titles, processing applications online, facilitating payments, maintaining land records, and ensuring transparency in line with existing laws.
“The agency is also positioned to provide geospatial data for both the private and public sectors, supporting urban and regional planning and management by offering population indices maps, land use and classification plans, flood risk maps, geological formation maps, crime incidence maps, hydrology maps, drainage system plans, and more,” Kawen explained.
“Additionally, it will provide data on infrastructure such as road networks, transportation maps, hospitals, schools, markets, security posts, power distribution networks, and many other variables essential for urban and regional planning. The list is extensive,” he added.
The task ahead for BENGIS is enormous, but so is the determination of its Director-General, Professor Daniel Amine, who has hit the ground running by assembling a capable team and setting up the necessary infrastructure to drive the vision of this all-inclusive agency.
BENGIS is expected to support governance in areas ranging from security to infrastructure, town planning, tourism, and environmental sustainability.
For Professor Amine, these objectives are entirely achievable. His first priority is ensuring that land application processing and the issuance of statutory land documents are completed within 30 days, as directed by Governor Alia.
“The governor has set a 30-day timeframe. If you apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), there is no reason you should not receive it within 30 days. We have resumed operations and are actively pursuing this goal.
“Our portal is already live, and we are fine-tuning it to ensure seamless integration with the software we use for processing land titles,” he stated. This assurance is invaluable.
However, there is a significant expectation from landowners who have neglected to pay their government dues.
“If you have a CofO and have not been paying ground rent, we will not overlook it. You will be charged from your last payment up to the present date,” the Director-General warned.
Recognizing the current economic realities, the government has decided to waive 50% of accumulated ground rent.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia has granted a tax relief. If you make your payment now, you will receive a 50% reduction. However, this relief may be suspended at any time, so the sooner you act, the better,” he emphasized.
To gain public support, BENGIS, which has been granted independent status by the governor, will embark on a massive awareness campaign to educate citizens on its services and the proper channels for obtaining land titles and other essential information.
“We will engage with community meetings, neighborhoods, schools, and markets to inform the public. Please take advantage of the governor’s relief offer and visit our office to benefit from it.
“Soon, we will be visiting your streets and neighborhoods to collect ground rent and update your Certificates of Occupancy.
“If you have an old CofO from the local government, banks will not accept it. Only the CofOs issued by BENGIS will be recognized. If your CofO is not digitized, bring it to us, and we will issue you a new one that meets modern standards. This service is not free, but it ensures compliance with updated regulations.”
The primary goal of BENGIS is to locate and secure assets, including property, information, data, solid mineral deposits, and security intelligence.
“Once we gather this information, we make it accessible to end users. Governor Alia believes in leveraging cutting-edge technology, particularly for processing land titles for the vast population of Benue.
“Previously, obtaining a CofO could take 15 to 20 years. Governor Alia is determined to end such delays. Upon my appointment, he specifically instructed me to simplify the process by implementing an online application system. This allows applicants to apply from their homes using their phones, computers, or cyber cafés, track their applications, and monitor progress.”
To participate in the BENGIS initiative, residents can download the agency’s app from the Google Play Store. “Within a week, we will ensure that anyone, from anywhere in the world, can access our app and apply for the necessary services,” Amine assured.
BENGIS will also provide critical information on infrastructure, security, and other key aspects affecting the state.
“While land titles benefit individuals, we can also assist the government in determining where to build schools and which roads require urgent attention, based on population data and traffic volume. This enables us to advise the government on impactful projects that enhance the lives of Benue citizens.
“We can also assist in locating farm produce in markets, providing insights on the best prices. By producing maps and charts, we can guide traders on where to source affordable products and more.”
Beyond land administration, BENGIS is actively involved in house numbering, a critical security feature with economic benefits.
“When houses are numbered and geo-tagged, visitors can use Google Maps to locate them easily. A visitor can input a house number, and Google Maps will provide directions, enhancing security across the state.
“Our house numbering system will ensure that every building in our cities is geo-tagged. Even within a compound, each house or room will be geo-tagged, allowing individuals to be located easily via mobile technology.”
Despite its ambitious goals, BENGIS faces challenges, particularly with power supply. Professor Amine has already taken steps to address this issue.
“One of our biggest challenges is electricity. Our facility was never connected to the public power grid after construction. In the past 90 days, we have relied entirely on generators, which is costly given current fuel prices.
“Governor Alia is aware of this challenge, and I trust that a lasting solution will be implemented soon. Fortunately, our facility’s design allows for the installation of solar panels, which can power the entire building efficiently.
“Additionally, I plan to connect BENGIS to the public power supply, as our operations are computer-based and require a reliable power source.
“All our data is stored on a server that must run 24/7. When daily activities end, the server updates overnight. If it is turned off, it will lag the next day, affecting efficiency. The solution is installing solar panels to keep the system running smoothly overnight.”
He further emphasized the necessity of constant server updates. “When I need specific information, the system should retrieve it instantly. If someone in New York purchases land, they should be able to access the information without delay. Constant server operation ensures real-time data accessibility.
“In urban planning, traffic lights and streetlights run on backup generators to ensure uninterrupted operation. BENGIS requires a similar system. Our ultimate goal is to have solar energy as the primary power source, with generators as secondary backups.”
BENGIS is poised to transform land administration, urban planning, and security in Benue State. With a clear vision and determined leadership, it is set to become a model agency in digital governance.
Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Communications Strategy.
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