Governor Muhammadu Yahaya on Thursday said his administration rescued Gombe from uncontrolled urban decay and transformed the state into a model of modern land administration, declaring that the capital city was at risk of becoming a “glorified village” before the introduction of sweeping land reforms.
The governor spoke at the commissioning of the Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) Field Office in Shehu Abubakar District and the launch of the statewide land title recertification exercise.
His remarks came as the Director-General of GOGIS, Dr. Kabiru Hassan, disclosed that he received death threats from an influential individual over the implementation of the reforms.
Reflecting on the state of land administration when he assumed office in 2019, Yahaya painted a picture of a system plagued by fraud, poor documentation and disorderly urban growth.
“We inherited a land administration system that was mired in fraud, inefficiency and distrust. Land titles were disorganised, records were non-existent or poorly documented, and the process of acquiring a Certificate of Occupancy was fraught with delays, bribery and confusion,” the governor said.
According to him, the absence of proper planning posed a serious threat to the future of Gombe metropolis.
“Our urban centres were growing without order, and the absence of proper planning meant that Gombe, our beloved capital city, was at risk of remaining a glorified village, unbefitting of its status as the administrative and commercial heart of our state,” he stated.
To reverse the trend, the governor said his administration established GOGIS and strengthened urban planning institutions to restore order and transparency in land administration.
One of the flagship projects, he noted, was the redevelopment of Shehu Abubakar District.
“When we came into office, this area was fast deteriorating into a slum, with haphazard development and inadequate infrastructure,” he said.
“We stepped in decisively, investing N24 billion to construct road and drainage networks and provide essential public facilities. Today, what was once a neglected and chaotic settlement has been transformed into an organised, dignified and thriving district.”
The governor maintained that the reforms were implemented without dispossessing legitimate landowners.
“No properly titled landowner lost his plot. We ensured that all properly documented landowners were given the right of first refusal and offered a generous 70 per cent discount on land charges,” he said.
Yahaya described GOGIS as one of the greatest success stories of his administration, saying the digitisation of land records had strengthened property rights, increased internally generated revenue and attracted investor confidence.
“With digitised and easily verifiable land titles, our business community can now use their property as collateral to secure loans from financial institutions. This is a game-changer for entrepreneurship and economic growth,” he said.
The governor also announced the commencement of the statewide land recertification exercise aimed at harmonising old manual land documents with the state’s digital database.
“This exercise is essential to eliminate ambiguities, strengthen land tenure security and root out fraudulent or duplicate titles that may still be in circulation,” he explained.
Earlier, GOGIS Director-General Hassan said the reform programme had faced fierce opposition from vested interests but insisted that the government remained committed to protecting public assets and enforcing planning laws.
“The achievements we celebrate today did not come without sacrifice, resistance and difficult decisions. Land reform anywhere in the world is never easy because it affects powerful interests,” he said.
The DG revealed that he had personally become a target because of his role in implementing the reforms.
“Recently, I received death threats from an influential individual within Gombe State. Similar threats had been made against me several years ago, including threats of physical harm,” Hassan disclosed.
“I have served this state with sincerity and without fear or favour. However, no public officer should be threatened simply for carrying out lawful duties.”
Defending recent demolition exercises and the recovery of public land, Hassan said the actions were carried out in accordance with existing laws.
“Nobody is above the law. The law must remain superior to individuals, influence and sentiments. If we abandon this principle, every reform effort will eventually collapse,” he said.
He disclosed that authorities reclaimed more than 2.1 hectares of illegally encroached public land along Kumo Road and restored several blocked access roads across the metropolis.
Hassan further revealed that GOGIS had digitised more than 45,000 land records, regularised about 18,000 customary titles, introduced digital Certificates of Occupancy and generated over N7.5 billion in land-related revenue.
In what appeared to be a valedictory reflection ahead of the end of his tenure, the GOGIS chief said he was satisfied with the outcome of the reforms.
“For nearly six years, Your Excellency provided the courage required to undertake reforms many considered impossible. Today, in my humble assessment, 100 per cent of the land reform agenda has been achieved under your leadership,” he said.
He urged future administrations to protect the gains already recorded and insulate land administration from political interference.
“Land administration should not become a victim of politics, interference or personal interests. Professionals must be allowed to perform their duties guided only by the law and the public good,” Hassan added.
