The new commissioner in charge of Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Barr. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie, has his job cut out for him right from his inauguration. His principal, Governor Peter Mbah told him to lead the crusade for a radical reform in land administration in the state.
The charge by the state Governor Peter Mbah was delivered during the swearing-in of Okorie with the mandate to put to use his knowledge in technology effect the desired reforms. That is one major reason the governor is enlisting Okorie in the administration of the state. The administration of Governor Mbah had started the land administration but the new member of cabinet is expected to give the effort a clear direction using technology.
Mbah said, “With his rich background in the ICT sector, the new commissioner is expected to spearhead our ongoing radical reforms in land administration. Our goals are very clear: we are automating our land title processes to facilitate the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy in not more than 72 hours.
“With the enactment of the Enugu State Geographic Information Services (EN-GIS) Law and Enugu State Properties Protection Law, we now have legislation for the digitisation and digitalisation of the land registry, protecting the citizens from land grabbers, ensuring transparency in all aspects of engagement with government and enabling self-service. The processes for obtaining building approvals are also being overhauled to save time and improve efficiency.”
Mbah pledges to uphold the administration mandate of de-risking investment in key sectors by providing access to land, providing support infrastructure, and managing engagement with host communities, among others.
He said the state was focused on growing the economy exponentially, creating wealth, and addressing crimes and insecurity.
Our correspondent reports that Barr Okorie takes over from Prince Lawrence Ezeh who was deployed to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
