By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) has processed more than 1,000 out of over 3,500 inherited backlog of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) applications and forwarded them to Governor Monday Okpebholo for approval following a rigorous verification process.
The Managing Director of EDOGIS, Dr. Innocent Bello, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists in Benin, explaining that the agency temporarily halted approvals to conduct a thorough review of the inherited applications after uncovering significant discrepancies in the records.
Bello revealed that the verification exercise exposed several irregularities, including forged documents, fraudulent survey plans, incomplete submissions and multiple claims over single parcels of land.
He noted that more than half of the inherited applications had serious issues requiring additional investigation before they could be considered for approval.
He added that the exercise was necessary to restore credibility to the land administration system, protect genuine property owners and ensure that only properly verified applications receive government approval.
He said the exercise was necessary to restore integrity to the state’s land administration system and ensure that only genuine applicants receive Certificates of Occupancy.
Bello reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sanitising land administration by eliminating land fraud, multiple land sales, illegal occupation of government land and revenue leakages through the deployment of modern digital systems.
He said EDOGIS has strengthened its workforce through continuous training, the provision of modern technology and the strategic deployment of personnel based on their professional expertise to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
The managing director noted that the agency’s digital cadastral system has significantly improved its ability to detect fraudulent land transactions, duplicate registrations and attempts to process government-acquired or previously allocated lands.
He also cautioned members of the public against dealing with unregistered land agents, alleging that many collect money from unsuspecting clients, submit incomplete applications and later blame government for delays in processing.
Bello expressed concern over the increasing encroachment on government lands, accusing some individuals and community leaders of illegally selling public lands, school properties and government reserves.
While noting that government may regularise genuine cases where appropriate, he warned that illegal structures erected on government land would be removed in line with existing laws.
He further urged landowners and investors to pay ground rent, property tax and other statutory land charges promptly, stressing that the revenue generated is critical to funding infrastructure, security and other public services across Edo State.
Bello assured residents that EDOGIS would continue to uphold transparency, professionalism and digital innovation in protecting property rights and building a more efficient, credible and investor-friendly land administration system in the state.
