The Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) has commenced a community sensitization drive aimed at curbing escalating land disputes and encouraging proper documentation among property owners in Maiduguri.
The campaign, themed “Bringing Land Governance Closer to the People,” was launched on Monday at BOTP 72 Layout, Pompomari Bypass, in the Borno State capital.
The initiative seeks to enlighten residents on the need for proper land documentation, close the gap between policy and implementation, and minimize ownership crises across the state.
During the event, the Executive Secretary of BOGIS, Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe, advised landowners to ensure their documents are duly updated with the agency.
He said, “Proper documentation helps verify ownership, prevent land grabbing, and ensure transparency in land transactions.”
Bababe emphasized that the campaign “is not about land confiscation but about securing people’s rights and ensuring that ownership is legally recognized.”
He disclosed that despite ongoing sensitization efforts, “less than a quarter of landowners in Pompomari have updated their land records.”
According to him, “Many residents have purchased land without transferring ownership documents, leaving the properties in the names of the original allottees.”
“In some cases, the land has been sold several times, and it still bears the name of the first allottee,” Bababe said.
“This has created serious ownership problems, and that is why we are urging everyone to update their land documents before it’s too late,” he added.
He also cautioned that “failure to regularize such documents could result in disputes or even loss of property.”
Official emphasizes land regulation, compliance
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Borno State Urban Planning and Regional Development, Liman Mustapha, said the campaign serves as an avenue for education and awareness on proper land administration.
He said, “Many property owners hold Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) that are not in their names, and such documents must be updated and approved by the governor.”
Mustapha explained that “any change of land use—such as converting a residential plot for commercial purposes—requires prior approval from BOGIS.”
“If what exists on the land is not consistent with the title, urban planning will not approve it,” he warned.
He added that “where correction is impossible, the illegal structures would be demolished.”
Residents who attended the sensitization lauded the Borno State Government for taking the initiative to their community.
One participant, Muhammad Salisu, said, “The sensitization came at the right time and will help reduce frequent land disputes in Maiduguri.”
The campaign will extend to other areas of the city to ensure that more residents understand their obligations and take steps to protect their land rights.
The campaign will continue across different parts of the city to ensure that residents understand their responsibilities and take action to secure their land rights.
