Gov Ododo moves to curb land scams, boost security in Kogi State

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Kogi state government has centralized land consent approvals under the governor’s office to combat widespread land fraud and enhance security of citizens and investors.

The resolution was one of such reached at the Kogi State executive council meeting held on Thursday at the New Exco hall, Government House, Lokoja, under the chairmanship of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, while addressing journalists at the end of the meeting revealed that the Kogi State government centralized land consent approvals due to fake documents being used by fake landowners, posing a security risk.

He noted that under the new policy, all consent approvals previously issued by land owners are no longer valid, and holders of such documents must revalidate them within four weeks at the Office of the executive governor.

“We have found that many of the consent approvals being paraded across the state are fake, and the government has no record of those holding them. This situation poses a serious security risk. By centralizing and revalidating the process, we will know who occupies our land and for what purpose,” Fanwo stated.

The commissioner added that the government’s action is aimed at eliminating fraudulent land transactions, restoring order and transparency in land administration, and ensuring that only genuine landholders are recognized by law.

Fanwo stressed that the revalidation exercise will also allow the state to properly profile land users, thereby enhancing the government’s ability to monitor land ownership and prevent criminal elements from hiding under forged documents.

He reaffirmed that Governor Ododo’s administration is committed to building a secured and transparent land management system that protects citizens, investors, and the integrity of the state’s land resources.

“This policy is not punitive; it is corrective and preventive. It will sanitize land administration, curb forgery, and make our communities safer,” he said.

The commissioner assured that the government would continue to implement reforms that strengthen governance structures, enhance accountability, and promote public safety.

Existing borehole in Kogi

Other key highlights from the executive council meeting included the governor’s directive to commissioners to provide three boreholes each in their respective local government areas, the restriction of articulated vehicles on Lokoja roads during daytime, approval for transformer procurement across senatorial districts, and the consideration of the 2026 Draft Budget, christened “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Governor Ododo has restated his administration’s commitment to security and welfare of Kogi people.

This was one of the key highlights of the Kogi State executive council meeting held on Thursday at the New EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja, under the chairmanship of the Governor.

Also briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Information and Communications Commissioner  Hon. Fanwo, said the Governor assured Kogites that the government is “on top of the game” in ensuring the safety of lives and property, adding that both residents and investors have nothing to fear as the administration is already winning the war on insecurity.

The Governor also directed all Commissioners and other EXCO members to provide three boreholes each in their respective local government areas to improve access to clean water and complement the state’s ongoing water supply initiatives.

The Council further deliberated extensively on measures to ensure safety on Kogi roads and approved the restriction of articulated vehicles within Lokoja during daytime hours to reduce road accidents, particularly along the Felele axis. It also set machinery in motion for the establishment of safer and better-managed trailer parks across the state.

Fanwo disclosed that the council considered and approved the procurement of electricity transformers to be distributed across the three senatorial districts as part of efforts to strengthen power distribution and stimulate economic growth.

The council equally approved the transmission of a Bill for the enactment of a new State Tax Law to the Kogi State House of Assembly for consideration, aimed at improving revenue generation and promoting fiscal responsibility.

The meeting also featured a joint session with former commissioners who served between 2016 and 2024, led by Hon. Salisu Sani Ogu, former Commissioner for Youth and Sports. They commended Governor Ododo for his inclusive leadership style and pledged their continued support for the progress of the state.

Governor Ododo while responding thanked former officials for their loyalty, saying he’ll keep engaging them to boost unity and development.

The council got updates on township road projects and infrastructure work in state schools. Fanwo said Ododo’s administration prioritizes people-focused governance, security, and welfare-improving projects.