In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in land administration, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has signed an Executive Order establishing the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS) as an independent agency.
The signing ceremony took place at Government House, Makurdi, where Governor Alia underscored the importance of accuracy, fairness, and accountability in land data collection and revenue management.
Previously operating under the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals, BENGIS will now function independently under the Office of the Governor.
Governor Alia noted that the agency’s prior structure hindered its effectiveness, stating that its independence would enable it to fulfill its mandate more efficiently.
He tasked BENGIS with compiling precise data on land ownership, public and private properties, and state revenue sources while maintaining transparency and eliminating corruption.
Expressing gratitude, the Director General of BENGIS, Professor Daniel Amine, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its new responsibilities.
He also highlighted BENGIS’ strategic role in economic planning and security, noting that its data could assist in identifying criminal hideouts and supporting law enforcement in mapping security formations in high-risk areas.
The establishment of BENGIS as an independent agency marks a significant step in Benue State’s efforts to improve land administration and revenue collection, reinforcing Governor Alia’s commitment to good governance.