The Katsina State Government has allocated N859,505,690 to establish the Katsina State Geographic Information Service (KATGIS), aimed at modernizing land registration and documentation processes.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that this announcement was made by Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe during the monthly press briefing held on April 22, 2025.
Malam Jobe highlighted that the investment encompasses the development of proprietary software, the acquisition of essential hardware, and the procurement of secure documents for the production of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) from the Nigerian Security, Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC). He emphasized that KATGIS will transition the state from a manual, error-prone land registration system to a more efficient, technology-driven approach.
The Deputy Governor also addressed the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, revealing that the administration has compensated residents affected by land acquisition projects with a total of N3,173,933,922. This funding supports various development initiatives, including road construction and the expansion of schools and hospitals. An additional N2 billion has been budgeted for ongoing compensation payments this year.
In a bid to enhance development control, the government has invested N725,000,000 in heavy machinery, including pay loaders and excavators, to ensure compliance with building regulations. Malam Jobe stated that these efforts are crucial for managing the challenges posed by the state’s growing population and ensuring sustainable urban development.
The Deputy Governor further discussed urban planning initiatives, noting that N315,375,000 has been allocated for the review of master plans for Katsina, Funtua, and Daura, covering the period from 2025 to 2040. He explained that these plans, originally developed in the 1970s, have become outdated and require modernization to guide future physical development in the state.
Malam Jobe concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the monthly press briefings, initiated in November 2024, are designed to keep citizens informed about the state’s developmental progress and the effective use of resources.