Aliyu Commissions N698m SOGIS Centre, Pledges New Era In Sokoto Land Governance
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Monday commissioned the rehabilitated and fully automated Sokoto Geographic Information System (SOGIS) Centre.
The state-of-the-art N698 million facility, aimed at transforming land title processing and urban development, was officially inaugurated by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the SOGIS complex in Sokoto metropolis, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, land professionals, and development stakeholders, marking what the administration described as “a historic leap into a new age of land administration in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the revamped SOGIS Centre signifies far more than the unveiling of a physical infrastructure.
“This is not just a building; it is the dawn of a new era in land governance. SOGIS is now fully automated and equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure that supports title issuance and land administration at global standards,” the governor declared.
He highlighted several key features of the upgraded facility, which include an automated Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) system that allows applicants to receive their land titles within two weeks—down from months of bureaucratic delay.
“Today, citizens no longer have to go through endless waiting. With our new automated C of O system, transparency, speed, and accountability are guaranteed,” Aliyu stated.
Additionally, the SOGIS Centre now offers a personalized digital dashboard for every applicant, enabling real-time tracking of applications from submission to final approval.
The system also incorporates digitally verifiable documents embedded with encrypted barcodes to prevent fraud and enhance legal security.
“Every certificate issued from SOGIS now carries a digital barcode that can be instantly authenticated. This makes land titles more secure, credible, and resistant to forgery,” he explained.
Governor Aliyu stressed the strategic importance of the project to economic development and investment attraction in Sokoto State.
“This is a signal to investors and development partners across the world—Sokoto is ready for sustainable urban development and economic growth,” he said.
“We are laying the digital foundation for a smart, secure, and economically vibrant Sokoto.”
Governor Mai Mala Buni, who performed the official commissioning, commended Governor Aliyu for prioritizing digital innovation and land reforms.
“This project is a shining example of visionary leadership. Digital land management is the future, and Sokoto is clearly ahead of the curve. I am proud to associate with this milestone,” Buni said.
He also praised the inter-state cooperation and friendship that brought him to Sokoto to commission such a strategic initiative, describing it as “a model for collaborative governance and regional integration.”
Governor Aliyu called on citizens to take ownership of the centre and utilize it responsibly to advance the state’s development.
“This facility belongs to the people of Sokoto. I urge all citizens to use it wisely and protect it. Let us work together to build a smarter, more transparent administration that future generations can be proud of,” he urged.
The SOGIS Centre is expected to enhance revenue generation, reduce land disputes, improve urban planning, and attract domestic and foreign investment by offering a reliable, efficient, and transparent land administration system.
Aliyu Commissions N698m SOGIS Centre, Pledges New Era In Sokoto Land Governance is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
