The Plateau State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Barr. Peter Nyam Gai, has disclosed that the ministry has processed 6,116 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within the three years of Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s administration, surpassing the achievements of the previous administration.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Barr. Gai said the administration of former Governor Sen. Simon Lalong processed only about 300 Certificates of Occupancy in eight years, while the current administration has significantly improved land administration and service delivery.
According to the commissioner, the ministry has embarked on landmark reforms aimed at modernizing land administration and enhancing efficiency.
He explained that the reforms include the closure of revenue leakages through stronger internal controls, the mandatory attachment of original payment receipts, and multiple verification processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
Barr. Gai also highlighted the ministry’s digitization efforts, noting that manual processes are being gradually eliminated. He said the workflow for processing Rights of Occupancy (R of O) and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) has been reduced from 46 stages to 25 stages, thereby improving efficiency and reducing processing time.
On revenue generation, the commissioner revealed that the ministry generated ₦513 million between January and June this year. Although the figure falls slightly below its target, he expressed confidence that the ministry would bridge the gap before the end of the revenue period.
Barr. Gai attributed the ministry’s achievements to a leadership style focused on motivating staff and promoting institutional growth despite the challenge of inadequate manpower.
“Our focus has been to inspire and motivate staff to exceed expectations and create positive long-term change. We have challenged the status quo, fostered collaboration, encouraged innovation, and promoted institutional growth,” he said.
He listed several staff welfare and institutional development initiatives undertaken by the ministry, including the remodeling of offices for the commissioner, permanent secretary, directors, and administrative staff; the introduction of staff incentives and quarterly wellness exercises; the provision of recreational facilities such as badminton and table tennis; distribution of palliatives and transportation support; promotion of institutional identity through branded Thursday T-shirts and traditional attire on Fridays; continuous professional training for members of the built environment; as well as annual retreats and regular in-house training programmes.
Speaking on land-related disputes, Barr. Gai disclosed that the ministry has successfully resolved 87 land dispute cases, while about 300 other cases are currently awaiting resolution.
The commissioner stated that the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning has recorded significant progress through transformational leadership, institutional reforms, staff development, and technological innovation.
According to him, these efforts have enhanced operational efficiency, improved service delivery, strengthened revenue generation, and positioned the ministry as a key driver of sustainable development in Plateau State.
