RismadarVoice Reporters
June 16, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Dr Ubong Inyang, has said the proposed Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information Service (AKWAGIS) will eliminate title disputes, strengthen land administration, increase internally generated revenue and position Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for investment in Nigeria.
Dr Inyang asserted on Monday during a public hearing on the Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information Service, held at Luton Park Hotel, Uyo.
Describing the proposed agency as a transformative initiative, the commissioner said AKWAGIS represents more than the creation of another government institution, noting that it is a technological innovation designed to modernise governance and land management in the state.
According to him, the agency will establish a fully automated and computerised geospatial data centre that will consolidate, digitise and secure all records relating to land ownership, urban planning, surveying and mapping into a centralised digital repository.
He explained that the system would guarantee title security, eliminate fraudulent double allocations and overlapping land claims, reduce delays in land transactions and provide a transparent framework for land administration.
“By offering guaranteed title security and slashing transaction turnaround times, we position Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s premier investment destination,” Inyang stated.
The commissioner further noted that the initiative would support smart urban planning through real-time geospatial data, facilitate infrastructure development, improve environmental management and significantly enhance government revenue by addressing leakages associated with manual land administration processes.
Dr Inyang disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Town Planning had thoroughly reviewed the proposed legislation and aligned its provisions with existing laws to ensure effective implementation upon passage.
He therefore called on lawmakers and stakeholders to support the speedy passage of the bill, describing it as a critical step towards digital governance, secure property rights and sustainable economic development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal and Deputy Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sampson Idiong, said the proposed Geographic Information Service aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and would improve transparency, strengthen land administration, support infrastructure development and enhance investor confidence.
Representing the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, the Member representing Ikono State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana, described the proposed legislation as one of several strategic bills aimed at promoting sustainable development, improving governance and enhancing service delivery in the state.
He said the AKWAGIS Bill would provide a modern framework for land management, property documentation, urban planning, environmental protection and investment promotion, while helping to reduce land-related disputes through accurate and reliable geospatial information.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and Finance, Hon. Itorobong Etim, PhD, said the proposed Public Procurement Regulatory Agency Bill would institutionalise transparency, accountability and professionalism in government procurement processes.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Selinah Ukpatu, explained that the proposed Senior Citizens Agency Bill seeks to establish a legal framework to protect and promote the welfare of elderly persons through coordinated programmes and policies.
In a keynote address, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Emem Almond Bob, represented by a director in the ministry, revealed that the three bills were among twelve executive bills recently transmitted to the House of Assembly by Governor Umo Eno.
He stated that the bills emerged from extensive consultations involving Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the State Executive Council, and urged lawmakers to expedite legislative action after considering stakeholders’ input.
Other presentations were delivered by the Commissioner for Economic Development, Dr Linus Nkan; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudoh; Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga; and the Delivery Adviser to the First Lady of Nigeria on Senior Citizens, Dr Ita-Anwan James.
Professional bodies and stakeholder groups, including the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), civil society organisations and other interest groups, also presented memoranda and recommendations on the proposed legislation.
The public hearing formed part of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly’s legislative engagement process aimed at ensuring stakeholder participation in the consideration of key bills designed to strengthen governance and accelerate development across the state.
