By Titus Mangut
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Land and Urban Development recently commended the State Ministry of Land and Urban Development for its outstanding performance in revenue generation.
The committee members praised the ministry and assured it of the assembly's full legislative support to encourage even greater results.
The ministry has generated over one billion naira within just seven months and is projected to surpass its annual revenue target of two billion naira by the end of the year.
This impressive achievement has positioned the ministry as the second-highest revenue-generating agency in the state, trailing only the official revenue board.
This success would not have been possible without the full support of Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
The governor ensured the ministry was equipped with capable and experienced personnel by deploying Barrister David Sule Moyi as Commissioner.
Upon his appointment, Commissioner Moyi introduced new ideas and reforms that streamlined the processing of statutory land title documents.
In every management meeting, the Commissioner emphasizes the need for departmental heads to exercise due diligence in verifying documents submitted by clients.
He noted that Nasarawa's proximity to Abuja has made land in the state highly desirable, with over 70% of federal civil servants residing there.
This demand has led to widespread land grabbing and the use of fake documents to acquire land illegally. To combat this, the Commissioner insists that all documents must be thoroughly scrutinized to ascertain true land ownership.
Barrister Moyi also highlighted that approximately 70% of court cases in the state are land-related, underscoring the need for the ministry to be more proactive.
Bringing his legal expertise to the role, he has mediated several major land disputes at the governor's direction, many of which have been successfully resolved or are nearing resolution.
Another key issue the commissioner is tackling head-on is the encroachment on government land across the state.
He and his management team have conducted inspections of all land banks within Lafia, the state capital, to assess the level of encroachment and develop solutions for government action.
Undoubtedly, Barrister Moyi is a silent achiever. Under his leadership, the ministry is also working on governor-approved projects, including the comprehensive layout for the Lafia eastern bypass road and master plans for one local government in each of the state's three senatorial zones.
The remarkable turnaround at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Land and Urban Development serves as a powerful blueprint for effective governance.
Through strategic leadership, institutional reform, and a firm commitment to due process, the ministry has not only become a major revenue pillar for the state but is also actively restoring order and integrity to land administration.
The combined support of the State Assembly, the vision of Governor Abdullahi Sule, and the diligent execution by Commissioner Barrister David Moyi have created a synergy that promises sustainable growth and stability.
As these foundational reforms continue to take root, Nasarawa State is firmly positioning itself for a future of orderly development and secure property rights for its citizens.
