The Imo State House of House of Assembly has repealed the Imo State Geographic Information Service (Establishment) Law No.3 of 2021, and enacted a Law to establish an Agency with the Core Mandate of Regulating Land Administration in Imo State through a Geographic Information Service System.
This they said will enhance use, management and administration of Lands in the State.
The Executive Bill was sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chyna Iwuanyanwu, and co-sponsored by eight other lawmakers.
It was given an accelerated hearing on Wednesday during the House plenary, as it was read the second time, went through the Committee of the Whole House, and was passed.
Throwing more light on the Bill, the Deputy Speaker pointed out that when the Law is repealed, and a new one is enacted, that it will aid in stalling land racketeering, double allocation of land in the state, as the Geographical Information Service System will be properly optimized in the State’s Ministry of Land to ensure that.
He averred that it is in line with what Governor Hope Uzodimma is doing in regularizing land systems and administration in the state, which according to him, will ensure things go smoothly in the sector, and the standard practice of Land administration that is acceptable all over the world imbibed in the state.
Iwuanyanwu therefore called on the members to support the repeal, as it will change the narratives for good in the state’s land administration, and right many wrongs.
According to the Bill, the Agency as a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal that has the power to sue and be sued in its corporate name, hold and acquire any property or interest in property; moveable or immoveable, has the responsibility of establishing and maintaining a State Geographic Information System to be known as the Imo State Information System to enhance land use, management and Geographic administration of lands in the State.
They are to compile and collate information and data about lands in the State, provide products and services derived there from and other related information to the Government and the general public;
The agency is to establish and regulate the standards to be applied in the compilation of data relating to land and its administration in the State, maintain and manage all copyrights and patents over all such data generated in the course of its duties on behalf of the State Government
They shall be responsible for all land administration matters and enforcement in the State, including but not limited to – the creation of land registry wherein all land titles and instruments in the State shall be registered, prescribing and reviewing rates as may be appropriate in respect of services rendered by the Agency as listed under the schedule to this Law subject to the approval of the Governor and having the responsibility of maintaining information on rents payable in accordance with the Land Use Act;
The repository of master plans, district plans, survey Information and dataset and managing same including charges for services; processing of and grant of certificates of occupancy, rights of occupancy, customary titles and grants of consent to land transactions as required by law; administration of the town and rural planning systems including but not limited to management and being the repository of datasets, including charges for services, growth management and other services as listed in Schedule I to this Law, among others will be handled by the Agency.
For efficient service delivery and to achieve the objectives of the Imo State Geographic Information service, it shall – introduce, implement and sustain best practises in land administration in the State; ensure that the system of land administration supports the development of social and economic rights in the State; ensure that the State geospatial data conforms to National Standards, and the likes.
The Bill also provides that the Board for the System shall compose of a Chairman, one Director General, and three members each from the three Zone in the state.
Supporting the move was the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri, Deputy Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Sam Osuji, Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Kelechi Ofurum, members representing – Oru West, Rt. Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, Onuimo, Hon James Esile, Nkwerre, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, Mbaitoli, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, Ikeduru, Hon. Johnleoba Iheoha, Ezinihitte, Hon. Henry Agbasonu
They reiterated that will brings about proper documentation of all the transactions pertaining to land in the state, adding that land investors will rejoice at the development as they will be able to access any land in the State, and ascertain it’s true position of whether it has been sold or not.
They further commended the Deputy Speaker for sponsoring the Bill, saying that it is a right thought in the right direction.
After the members passed the Bill, the Speaker, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe directed the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the
bill to the governor for final assent.
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