Enugu State Embarks on Urban Development and Land Administration Reform
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has initiated significant reforms in urban development and land administration through the signing of Executive Order No. 1, 2025, and the Land Use Regulation 2025. These legislative actions aim to streamline land transactions, promote transparency, and boost economic activities within the state. The Executive Order designates specific areas across several Local Government Areas (LGAs) as urban areas, expanding the scope of development and enabling residents to secure legal titles for their properties. This move signifies a major shift in land management, bringing clarity and efficiency to a system previously marred by ambiguity and potential for corruption.
The newly designated urban areas encompass a wide geographical spread across Enugu State. The entire LGAs of Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South are now classified as urban, along with their counterparts in Udi, Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Nsukka. Furthermore, specific towns and communities within other LGAs have also been designated as urban areas, including Ndeabor, Oduma, Awgu Town, Ihe, Agbogugu, Mgbowo, Isu-Awa, Mmaku, Ituku, Owelli-Court, Aguobuowa, and Oghe in Ezeagu LGA. This strategic designation extends to key locations in Igbo-Etiti (Ogbede, Ukehe, Aku), Igbo-Eze North (Enugu Ezike), Igbo-Eze South (Ibagwa-Aka), Isi-Uzo (Ikem and Eha-Amufu), Oji-River (Oji-River, Ugwuoba, Inyi), Udenu (Obollo-Afor and Orba), and Uzo-Uwani (Umulokpa and Adani) LGAs. This comprehensive approach to urban development promises to stimulate economic growth and improve infrastructure across the state.
Governor Mbah emphasized the significance of these reforms, highlighting their alignment with the recently launched Enugu State Geographic Information System (Enugu GIS). This system is designed to expedite land title applications and other related administrative functions, enhancing transparency and efficiency in land management. By clearly defining urban areas and implementing the new Land Use Regulation, the government aims to eliminate ambiguity, reduce corruption, and create a more investor-friendly environment. The Governor believes that these changes will not only enhance the state’s revenue but also significantly improve the ease of doing business in Enugu State. The clear delineation of fees and timelines for land transactions will further enhance transparency and accountability, fostering trust in the system.
The Land Use Regulation of 2025 and the associated Executive Order aim to address several critical challenges that have historically plagued land administration in Enugu State. By clearly defining urban areas and standardizing land transaction processes, the government aims to eradicate issues such as double allocation of land, land grabbing, and other forms of corruption. These reforms are intended to bring order and transparency to the land market, protecting property owners and investors from fraudulent activities. The enhanced clarity and predictability introduced by these regulations will foster a more secure environment for land transactions, encouraging both residents and investors to engage confidently in property development and acquisition.
The expansion of designated urban areas also empowers residents in formerly rural areas to apply for and obtain Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for their properties. This provides them with legal ownership documentation, enabling them to leverage their assets for economic advancement. The ability to secure a C of O not only protects property rights but also opens avenues for access to credit and other financial services, contributing to economic empowerment and development within these communities. This initiative will further integrate these areas into the formal economy, driving growth and development across a broader spectrum of the state.
Governor Mbah commended his team for their contribution to these landmark reforms and pledged to conduct comprehensive public enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens about the new processes. These campaigns will focus on explaining the provisions of the Land Use Regulation, the Executive Order, and the functionalities of the Enugu GIS. This public awareness drive will empower citizens with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the new land administration system effectively, ensuring they can benefit from the reforms. The government aims to make the land transaction process accessible and transparent for all residents, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the state’s development agenda.
