By Titus Mangut
The Ministry of Lands and Urban Development is experiencing a period of unprecedented success, thanks to the Management team comprising individuals of impeccable integrity, professional expertise, and academic credentials.
Governor Abdullahi Sule’s thoughtful appointment of these experts has ensured the effective management of state land resources. Unlike in the past, all current management staff possess professional qualifications, marking a significant shift towards a more technical and proficient land administration.
The Ministry’s success showcases the Governor’s dedication to good governance and his unwavering support. His vision for a better Nasarawa state drives the Ministry’s achievements. With the governor’s backing, the Ministry has implemented effective land policies and programs, evident in its many publicly observable and verifiable successes. One notable aspect is the transparent and inclusive land acquisition process for government and investment purposes.
State government, through the Ministry, engages traditional rulers, stakeholders, and customary landowners in the acquisition process, ensuring a transparent and participatory approach.
This openness and commitment to stakeholder involvement have contributed significantly to the ministry’s productivity and success.
The appointment of experts in management positions has been a crucial factor in this achievement, marking a departure from previous practices where individuals without a technical background were appointed to head the ministry.
One area where the ministry has performed exceptionally well is revenue generation. As of September 2024, the ministry has surpassed its target for the year, making it the highest revenue-generating government agency after the internal revenue board. Additionally, the ministry has explored more areas of revenue generation, and a framework to that effect is being developed.
What the ministry needs now is synergy with relevant government agencies to implement some of its policies, which will not only increase revenue generation but also ensure that residents of the state live in serene and well-planned urban areas. The management is working hard to align with the Governor Sule e-governance policy, and by implementing this policy in land administration, the ministry will increase transparency, efficiency, and citizens’ satisfaction while promoting sustainable development and economic growth.
Moreover, preparations are underway for the establishment of an ICT center in the Ministry, this will enable fast and effective communication across vast distances allowing individuals, businesses and government to collaborate, share information and stay connected globally in real-time.
Besides its functions and responsibilities, the Ministry is also actively involved in other crucial aspects, including dispute resolution. The management and some hardworking staff have been able to mediate and resolve land-related disputes between individuals, communities, and other stakeholders, promoting peaceful coexistence and social harmony.
The Ministry is also working closely with the state boundary commission to ensure that state boundaries are clearly defined, protected, and respected, preventing encroachment and disputes with neighboring states. Examples include the boundaries demarcation between FCT and Nasarawa, Benue and Nasarawa, and many others.
This Government agency is responsible for safeguarding government lands, preventing illegal occupation, and ensuring that these lands are used for their intended purposes, such as public infrastructural development, social services, and environmental conservation.
And as part of the broader mandate of the ministry in charge of land administration, it is working hard to tackle the menace of land grappers especially in the western part of the state, which is a key gateway to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), through collaboration with government enforcement agencies, many land grappers have been arrested charged to court and many have been sentenced according to the offense committed.
There have been series of stern warnings from the ministry to people especially land grappers to desist from this criminal act or face the wrath of the law
These additional responsibilities underscore the management staff’s commitment to effective land management, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.
The ministry’s progress is a testament to the power of professional leadership and stakeholder engagement. As the ministry continues to build on this success, it is essential to maintain the current trajectory, ensuring that the management team remains composed of individuals with the necessary expertise and integrity to drive progress and development in the land and urban development sector in the state.
