The Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development is undergoing a significant transformation, prioritizing regulatory compliance and technological advancements to enhance land administration and boost revenue generation. Commissioner Akin-Funmilayo underscored the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to enforcing building regulations to prevent collapses and protect lives and property. This commitment translates into stringent oversight of construction projects, urging developers to obtain necessary approvals and adhere to established guidelines. The Ministry’s proactive stance reflects a dedication to responsible urban development and the safety of its citizenry. This focus on safety is coupled with a modernization drive leveraging technology to streamline processes and improve service delivery.
A cornerstone of this modernization effort is the digitization of land administration processes. The Ministry has introduced electronic allocation letters, an online platform for plot allocation and selection, and a digital building permit system. These initiatives aim to simplify and expedite land transactions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing transparency. Furthermore, the Ministry is actively pursuing a house numbering project to improve property identification and facilitate efficient service delivery. This comprehensive digital transformation is expected to contribute to increased efficiency and a more streamlined experience for citizens interacting with the Ministry. The archival of all Ministry documents is another key component of this strategy, preserving historical data and ensuring easy access to vital information.
The Ministry’s commitment to revenue generation is evident in its strategic initiatives and impressive financial performance. The establishment of 15 Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) through public-private partnerships has opened new avenues for revenue streams. This development, coupled with the digitization of land allocation and title documentation, has contributed significantly to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The Ministry reported N4.8 billion in revenue for 2023, N6.1 billion in 2024, and already N3.2 billion by May 2025, showcasing a consistent upward trend. The deployment of the Oyo State Property Reference System has further enhanced property identification and land-based tax payments, broadening the state’s tax net and contributing to sustained revenue growth.
The Ministry’s achievements are not limited to revenue generation but extend to significant strides in title document issuance and infrastructure development. Since the inception of the Makinde administration, over 17,000 digital title documents have been issued, with a significant portion issued in the past two years. This demonstrates a concerted effort to formalize land ownership and provide secure land tenure for citizens. The Ministry has also invested heavily in infrastructure projects, compensating property owners affected by key developments, such as the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road and the Ajia Junction Improvement Interchange. These investments not only improve the state’s infrastructure but also underscore the government’s commitment to equitable development and citizen welfare.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to grant partial independence to the Physical Planning Department, transforming it into a fully-fledged unit or division. This move aims to enhance the department’s operational efficiency and effectiveness in regulating physical development within the state. In addition, the Ministry is committed to providing affordable housing options for middle- and low-income earners, addressing the housing needs of a wider segment of the population. The ongoing development of several GRAs, some of which are nearing completion and others soon to be available on the market, will contribute to the availability of land for various purposes, including residential development. This expansion of available land, coupled with initiatives for affordable housing, demonstrates a holistic approach to urban development, catering to different income levels and promoting inclusive growth.
The Ministry’s multifaceted approach, encompassing regulatory compliance, technological innovation, revenue generation, and infrastructural development, positions Oyo State for continued growth and progress. The commitment to digitization and streamlined processes promises enhanced efficiency and transparency in land administration, benefiting both citizens and the state. The ongoing development of GRAs and the focus on affordable housing reflect a balanced approach to development, addressing both economic growth and social welfare. These initiatives, coupled with the Ministry’s dedication to enforcing building regulations and ensuring the safety of its citizens, contribute to a comprehensive strategy for sustainable and inclusive urban development in Oyo State. The strong financial performance further reinforces the effectiveness of these initiatives and positions the Ministry as a key driver of progress within the state.
