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William Attah
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has boosted his land reforms programme in Gombe State with the commissioning of a Field Office for the coordination and seamless acquisition and management of landed properties in the State.
The Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) Field Office, launched Thursday afternoon (25/06/2026) and situated at the Shehu Abubakar District, Governor Inuwa said is another major milestone in his administration’s drive to modernize land administration, promote orderly urban development and strengthen economic growth.
“When we came into office, this area was gradually turning into a slum with unplanned developments and inadequate infrastructure. Today, it has been transformed into a modern, organized and thriving district that any capital city would be proud of”, the Governor stated while describing the newly established Shehu Abubakar District.
According to him, the establishment of the field office represents the culmination of one of the most transformative reforms undertaken by his administration since assuming office in 2019.
He said, his administration inherited a land administration system plagued by fraud, inefficiency, poor record keeping and widespread distrust among citizens.
“Obtaining land titles and Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) was previously characterized by delays, corruption, and administrative bottlenecks, while the absence of proper planning threatened the orderly development of the state capital.
“The creation of GOGIS and its sister agency, the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA), was aimed at restoring order, protecting property rights and rebuilding public confidence in land administration”, he pointed out.
He also emphasised the administration’s efforts towards transforming urban landscapes, establishment of Gombe Special Capital Development Zone, which gave rise to strategic developments such as the Shongo Gardens Layout, Shehu Abubakar District, and the Special Agro-Development Zone.
“The State Government has invested over N24 billion in road and drainage infrastructure as well as public facilities including schools, hospitals, police and fire service stations, and places of worship to give the District a befitting status”, he stated.
While commending the management and staff of GOGIS for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence, which he said has positioned the agency as a model of public sector innovation and service delivery, the Governor used the occasion to unfold plans to commence a statewide land recertification exercise, which will require landowners to present existing manual title documents for alignment with the digitized records maintained by GOGIS.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of GOGIS, Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, described the commissioning of GOGIS field office as another milestone in the journey of reforming land administration in the State, while building institutions that will outlive individuals and administrations.
Dr. Hassan revealing that under the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the agency had digitized over 45,000 land records, established more than 52 layouts, regularized close to 18,000 customary titles, introduced digital certificate of occupancy and generated over 7.5 billion naira in land related revenues.
While commending the Governor for providing the courage required to undertake reforms many considered impossible, Dr Hassan said, “You allowed professionals to perform their responsibilities without interference.”
He also assured those with plots within the Shehu Abubakar District that their rights are protected by the Executive Order issued by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
Danladi Adamu, the Permanent Secretary, Gombe State Ministry of works, revealed that the GOGIS field office was awarded to Hokti Services Nigeria Limited at the cost of 202 million in January 2026 with a completion period of 12 weeks which the contractor met.
