By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning has disclosed that it has approved 6,116 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within the last three years, with additional 365 certificates currently awaiting the approval and signature of the state governor.
The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Barr. Peter Nyan Gai, made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos.
He explained that the ministry also processed 6,836 Rights of Occupancy (R of O), describing the achievement as a significant improvement compared to the previous administration, which approved only about 3,000 Certificates of Occupancy throughout its eight-year tenure.
Barr. Gai said the ministry, under the present administration, has implemented major reforms aimed at transforming land administration, improving service delivery, and reducing delays through the gradual replacement of manual processes with digital systems.
According to him, the ministry has reduced the processing stages for Rights of Occupancy and Certificates of Occupancy from 46 stages to 25 stages, making the process faster and more efficient.
He added that the ministry has redesigned security features on Rights of Occupancy documents and introduced electronic signatures for Certificates of Occupancy to strengthen transparency and document protection.
The Commissioner further revealed that the ministry has collaborated with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and licensed surveyors to restore and install survey control signals, while also developing in-house software solutions through SQCO to address delays in processing applications.
He said the ministry has acquired additional software licences and modern computer systems to improve operations, while site inspection reports are now supported with aerial imagery and digital mapping to strengthen development control and planning regulations across urban and rural areas.
Barr. Gai noted that the ministry is actively participating in the development of the Greater Jos Master Plan, covering Jos North, Jos South, parts of Bassa, Jos East, Riyom and Barkin Ladi, as well as the preparation of master plans for Riyom, Mangu and Heipang urban centres.
He added that the ministry has supported the “Time Is Now” administration through land acquisition and preparation of layouts for development projects.
On revenue generation, the Commissioner said the ministry has blocked leakages through stronger internal controls, including mandatory attachment of original receipts and multiple verification procedures.
He also highlighted improvements in the digitisation and electronic capturing of files and records, which have strengthened the ministry’s database management system.
However, Barr. Gai identified some challenges affecting the ministry, including shortage of professional and technical manpower, inadequate power backup systems, server downtime, the need for full upgrade of the Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, and additional logistics support for field operations.
He maintained that the ministry has recorded remarkable progress through transformational leadership, institutional reforms, staff development and technological innovation.
“These efforts have enhanced efficiency, improved service delivery, strengthened revenue generation, and positioned the ministry as a key driver of sustainable development in Plateau State,” he said.
The Commissioner stressed that sustained investment in manpower, technology, infrastructure and logistics remains necessary to consolidate the achievements and realise the ministry’s long-term vision.
