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The outgoing Pioneer Director-General of the Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS), Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, has highlighted sweeping reforms that transformed land administration in Gombe State through technology, transparency and institutional development in the last six years.
Reflecting on his six-year tenure in office while delivering a farewell message Tuesday afternoon at the GOGIS headquarters, Dr Kabiru said the agency established modern operational structures, developed a permanent service centre, digitised tens of thousands of land records and layouts.
Others, he stated proudly, are the introduction of digital Certificates of Occupancy, modernised geospatial mapping systems, strengthened physical planning processes, improved internally generated revenue and enhanced stakeholder engagement among many others.
According to him, the reforms positioned GOGIS as an institution capable of sustaining its achievements beyond the tenure of any individual office holder.
“I remain profoundly grateful to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the confidence he reposed in me and for demonstrating the political will that allowed professionals to discharge their responsibilities within the confines of the law, even when those decisions were difficult or unpopular,” he said.
Hassan described public office as a trust that demands both dedicated service and accountability and explained that GOGIS’ establishment was not merely a Government agency but an institution designed to modernise land administration through technology, professionalism, transparency and institutional excellence.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered during the reform process, Hassan said institutional resistance, legal complexities, operational constraints, public misconceptions and personal intimidation tested the agency’s resolve.
He noted, however, that the experience reinforced the importance of courage, integrity, consistency and commitment to the public good in driving sustainable reforms. He also acknowledged that not all objectives were realised during his tenure but admitted that some decisions attracted legitimate criticism.
While emphasising the importance of strong institutions, Hassan urged public officials to prioritise institutional development over personal interests and maintained that “the future of land administration and public sector governance in Nigeria depends on preserving institutional independence, promoting professionalism, embracing innovation and adhering strictly to the rule of law.
“It has been an extraordinary honour to serve as the Pioneer Director-General of GOGIS. I leave office grateful for the opportunity, proud of the foundation that has been laid, mindful of the lessons learned and optimistic that GOGIS will continue to serve as a model of transparent, technology-driven land administration for many years to come,” he said
