By Umar Tanko Tunga, has introduced a bold three-part plan to transform land management and urban development in the state. The new initiatives, set to begin within four weeks, aim to address long-standing challenges and bring greater efficiency and transparency to the ministry’s work.
The announcement came after a four-day strategy session between Tunga and the ministry’s department heads, where officials outlined their roles, challenges, and goals. Tunga said the new plan will focus on sectoral urban planning, digital transformation, and partnerships with private investors.
The first part of the plan targets rapid urban development, starting with sectoral plans for key areas like the Lafia eastern bypass corridor. Traditional master plans take too long and cost too much, Tunga said, so the ministry will create a faster, action-based strategy to guide development and improve residents’ quality of life.
The second pillar focuses on bringing the ministry into the digital age by fully computerizing its operations. Land records will be digitized, approval processes automated, and a centralized database created in collaboration with NAGIS. Tunga directed all department heads to submit fresh ideas for the digital framework within a week. Staff lacking computer skills will also receive immediate training.
The third component leverages public-private partnerships (PPPs) to streamline land titling and unlock economic potential. By partnering with landowners and real estate developers, the ministry hopes to formalize land titles, enhance environmental order, and increase state revenue
Tunga ended his announcement by ordering the immediate identification of pilot sites for the new land titling program, stressing that the success of these reforms depends on collaboration, creativity, and urgency from all ministry staff.
