Since Mrs. Osaro Grace Aihie took the helm as Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) in August 2022, the agency has made significant strides in land administration. Under her leadership, EdoGIS has transformed the land management landscape, earning praise from both local and foreign businesses for its contributions to improving the ease of doing business in the state.
In an exclusive interview, Mrs. Aihie, a seasoned lawyer, estate surveyor, and a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, shared the agency’s achievements, challenges, and future plans. Below are the key excerpts from the conversation.
EdoGIS’s Mandate and Achievements
Mrs. Aihie explained that the core mandate of EdoGIS is to manage the state’s land resources, including issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), conducting cadastral surveys, and handling land acquisitions and compensations on behalf of the government. She highlighted the agency’s role in regulating land-based taxes, such as Land Use Charges, which encompass property taxes, tenement rates, and ground rents.
One of the notable achievements under her leadership was the successful enforcement of the Land Use Charge law, which led to Okomu Group becoming the first to pay the Land Use Charge, a move previously unthinkable for such large businesses. The MD emphasized that ease of doing business is rooted in ensuring fair play for investors and fostering a cooperative relationship between businesses and the local communities.
Mrs. Aihie also noted that with the introduction of advanced technologies, land grabbing has been drastically reduced. The innovative systems now in place at EdoGIS help verify land ownership and prevent fraudulent transactions, ensuring that investors are shielded from losing capital on illicit property deals.
Addressing Challenges and Improving Workflow
While acknowledging the challenges that persist, Mrs. Aihie pointed to the progress made since her appointment. A significant issue that she tackled was the problem of intermediaries who previously charged excessive fees for processing C of Os. By implementing new regulations, she was able to bring these practices under control, reducing the costs for landowners and improving the agency’s efficiency.
EdoGIS also streamlined its operations, ensuring that C of Os, which once took years to process, are now issued within 30 working days, provided all documentation is in order. Mrs. Aihie stressed the importance of transparency and direct communication with communities, an approach that has fostered greater cooperation and understanding between EdoGIS, investors, and local populations.
Technology and Community Engagement
Under her leadership, EdoGIS has incorporated state-of-the-art technology, including drones, mobile mappers, and a core station for surveyors, to improve land surveying and mapping accuracy. Mrs. Aihie expressed her pride in the agency’s technological capabilities, which have attracted attention from other states seeking to replicate EdoGIS’s success.
The MD also highlighted the agency’s commitment to community engagement. She explained that EdoGIS regularly meets with local communities to ensure they understand the benefits of proper land registration and to discourage land disputes. This proactive approach has significantly reduced land-related conflicts in the state.
Decentralization and Sustainability
Looking ahead, Mrs. Aihie outlined plans for the decentralization of EdoGIS services to make land administration more accessible to residents outside the state capital, Benin City. With plans to establish additional GIS offices in Auchi and Ekpoma, the agency aims to reduce the need for long-distance travel for land transactions, further promoting ease of doing business.
Sustainability is also a key focus for the MD. She emphasized that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision for long-term institutional development, rather than personality-driven governance, will ensure the continuity of EdoGIS’s reforms. Mrs. Aihie is confident that the agency’s progress will continue even after her tenure, as the foundation for institutional growth has been solidly laid.
Legacy and Leadership Philosophy
When asked about her desired legacy, Mrs. Aihie shared that she hopes to be remembered for her integrity, hard work, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Her leadership, rooted in a strong sense of accountability to God, has guided her decision-making and shaped the culture at EdoGIS.
In conclusion, Mrs. Aihie’s leadership of EdoGIS represents a paradigm shift in land administration in Edo State, with technology, transparency, and community engagement as the cornerstones of its success. As the agency continues to evolve, it is clear that these reforms have paved the way for businesses to thrive in a more conducive and efficient environment.
