RismadarVoice Reporters
June 15, 2026
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal, Hon. Sampson Idiong, has said the proposed Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information Service (AKSGIS) will transform land administration, reduce land-related disputes and accelerate the implementation of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Idiong asserted on Monday during a Public Hearing on a Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information Service, held at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Complex in Uyo.
In his welcome address, the Oruk Anam lawmaker described the proposed agency as a major step toward modernising land administration, urban planning, investment promotion and governance in Akwa Ibom State.
He noted that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become essential tools globally for accurate land documentation, infrastructure development, enhanced revenue generation and effective management of land resources.
According to him, the establishment of AKSGIS would enable the government to maintain reliable and up-to-date land records, provide citizens and investors with remote access to land information, reduce delays in land transactions and improve transparency in land administration.
“The proposed Service will assist in addressing boundary disputes and help prevent encroachment on government-owned properties,” Idiong stated.
He added that the agency would provide accurate geospatial data for resolving boundary disputes and safeguarding public assets such as schools, healthcare facilities and other government properties through proper mapping and monitoring.
The lawmaker urged stakeholders to actively contribute to the legislative process, stressing that the public hearing was designed to produce a robust legal framework capable of supporting sustainable development and efficient land management across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, represented by Hon. Asuquo Udo, described the hearing as a reflection of the Assembly’s commitment to participatory governance and inclusive lawmaking.
The Speaker noted that the proposed Geographic Information Service would provide a modern platform for land management, property documentation, urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management and investment promotion.
He expressed confidence that the agency would improve the ease of doing business, minimise land-related conflicts, boost internally generated revenue and strengthen government planning through access to accurate geospatial information.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Hon. Ubong Inyang, described the bill as a transformative initiative that goes beyond the establishment of a government agency.
According to him, AKSGIS represents a technological revolution in governance and land administration.
He explained that the agency would establish a fully automated geospatial data centre that would consolidate, digitise and secure records relating to land ownership, surveying, mapping and urban planning within a centralised digital repository.
The commissioner disclosed that the Ministry had reviewed the bill and harmonised its provisions with existing laws to ensure smooth implementation upon passage.
The public hearing also considered two other key pieces of legislation—the Akwa Ibom State Public Procurement Agency Bill and the Senior Citizens Agency Bill—both aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery in the state.
Stakeholders from various sectors made presentations and recommendations on the proposed bills, while lawmakers assured participants that all submissions would be carefully considered before the legislation is passed into law.
The proposed AKSGIS is expected to play a significant role in modernising land administration, enhancing investment opportunities and supporting the sustainable development objectives of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
