By Kingsley Agim
In a landmark effort to enhance the ease of doing business and streamline land administration in Cross River State, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has officially launched the full digitalization and fast-tracking of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) issuance process.
Governor Otu announced the milestone on Monday during a courtesy and presentation visit by the Cross River State Land Cluster, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to his ‘People First’ mantra by dismantling bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long hindered property owners and investors across the state.
“Obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy used to take years, frustrating landlords and business owners alike. We are changing that. With this new digital system, certificates will be delivered faster, more efficiently, and with greater transparency,” the Governor stated.
As part of the unveiling, Governor Otu personally presented Certificates of Occupancy to several landlords and corporate entities, including Sterling Bank Plc, Professor Victor Okon Ansa, and Mainland Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Cross River State Land Cluster with technical support from Nugi Technologies Nigeria Ltd, marks a decisive shift from outdated analogue processes to a fully digitized land administration system—ushering in transparency, accountability, and improved turnaround times.
Director General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), Mr. Williams Archibong, commended Governor Otu for fostering an enabling environment that made the reform possible.
“With this digital system, C-of-Os for government-owned land will now be processed within 21 days, and within 42 days for privately owned land,” Archibong revealed. “This is a major leap from previous administrations, where delays and frequent errors plagued the process due to analogue inefficiencies. Today, the entire operation is streamlined and technology-driven.”
Also speaking at the event, Ms. Akinlabi Ajoke, Chief Executive Officer of Nugi Technologies, described the breakthrough as a dream realized.
“When we say digital, we mean end-to-end. Every phase—from application to final issuance—is now processed online. The synergy between the state government, the Land Cluster, and our technology team has made this success possible,” she stated.
Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ekpenyong, hailed the development as long overdue, describing it as an economic liberation for citizens who had been marginalized by banks due to inadequate land documentation.
“This exercise is unlocking opportunities for Cross Riverians who were shut out by financial institutions. With properly certified documents, property owners can now confidently engage with banks and secure loans,” he said.
The Surveyor General of the State, Surv. Patrick Bassey, praised the technological innovation, highlighting advanced security features such as QR codes that make each Certificate of Occupancy both verifiable and tamper-proof.
“This is evidence that Cross River is now on a firm digital growth trajectory,” he noted, urging citizens to embrace the new system and regularize their property titles.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Prof. Ansa expressed deep appreciation to the administration, recalling his long wait for a C-of-O.
“It once seemed impossible to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. But this administration has changed the narrative. This is a new dawn for Cross River. It sends a strong message that the state is open and ready for investment,” he said.
