Edo State’s previously advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) has ground to a halt as ICT experts withdraw their services due to unpaid debts totaling over ₦3 billion. The Monday Okpebholo-led government has failed to settle these debts, resulting in a full collapse of the GIS infrastructure.
Initially established during Godwin Obaseki’s tenure as governor, Edo State was a pioneer in geospatial mapping, which led to the development of a comprehensive GIS and digital land coordinate database. This system significantly improved land titling and documentation across the state, with over 30,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) issued during Obaseki’s eight years in office.
However, the progress made has been undone by the current administration’s refusal to pay ICT experts. As a result, the experts managing the GIS database and system have ceased their services. The consequences are severe: existing C-of-Os have effectively become worthless as there is no database to verify their coordinates.
The collapse of the GIS system has also led to significant revenue loss for the state. Transactions at the Edo GIS Office, including payments, charting coordinates, and other geographical services, have come to a standstill. Property owners and businesses that rely on the GIS system for asset verification face uncertainty and potential financial setbacks.
A land surveyor in Benin City, speaking anonymously, described the situation as disastrous. He warned that without a functional GIS, land ownership verification is impossible, leading to increased land disputes and fraudulent transactions. The economic impact on Edo State could be substantial, with long-term setbacks expected for both residents and the government.
