From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) registered over 9,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) between February and April 17, according to Managing Director Dr Tony Ikpasaja.
He shared this during a courtesy visit by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Edo State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City.
Ikpasaja, appointed by Governor Monday Okpebholo in January 2025, said the achievement surpassed the 1,000 C of Os registered under former Governor Godwin Obaseki from 2023 to February 2025.
He attributed the success to new software, despite challenges from a system shutdown by Obaseki’s foreign consultants. He stated: “As of today, I can boldly tell you that we have captured and processed over 9000 files of Certificate of Occupancy… Over 9000 C of Os have been registered from February 2025 to date with the new software against 1000 registered from 2023 to February 2025.”
Ikpasaja revealed EdoGIS inherited 7,500 unattended applicant files. He assured applicants: “Within the next few weeks or months, we will clear the applications… your land is secure because, by our system, nobody can come and process that particular land again.” New equipment and World Bank-standard practices have boosted efficiency, he added.
To enhance access, EdoGIS opened offices in Auchi and Ekpoma, bringing services to grassroots communities. Ikpasaja urged landowners to legalise properties, warning that assets without C of Os lack legal status.