The GOGIS has announced the recovery of several parcels of land previously reserved for public infrastructure but allegedly diverted through unauthorized allocations in Gombe State.
Officials disclosed that the reclaimed lands were originally designated for schools, healthcare centers, and community development projects. According to the agency, an internal audit uncovered discrepancies in land documentation, prompting an investigation into irregular transfers.
The Director General of GOGIS stated that the recovery exercise forms part of a broader land reform initiative aimed at strengthening transparency and restoring public trust in land administration. He explained that modern geospatial mapping and digital record verification played a crucial role in identifying encroachments.
Community leaders in affected areas welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue. Some residents had raised concerns that shrinking access to public land was limiting the expansion of essential services.
Legal proceedings are reportedly underway against individuals suspected of benefiting from improper allocations. Authorities have assured that due process will be followed while emphasizing that public interest remains the guiding principle.
Urban planning experts say reclaiming strategic land parcels could significantly improve long term development planning. They argue that uncontrolled privatization of public land undermines infrastructure growth and weakens institutional planning capacity.
The state government reiterated its commitment to transparent governance and warned that further reviews of land records may uncover additional irregularities. Observers believe the outcome of this reform drive could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar land management challenges.The Gombe State Geographic Information Systems GOGIS has recovered several parcels of land previously reserved for public facilities but unlawfully allocated or encroached upon in parts of Gombe State. The agency disclosed that the recovered properties were originally designated for schools, healthcare centers, markets, green areas, and other essential public infrastructure.
According to officials of GOGIS, the discovery followed a comprehensive land audit and digital mapping exercise aimed at sanitizing land administration across the state. The review reportedly uncovered irregular allocations, unauthorized conversions, and cases where public land was fraudulently re documented for private use.
The agency explained that the recovery process involved verification of title documents, geospatial analysis, and physical inspection of affected locations. In instances where allocations were found to contravene master plans or statutory provisions, revocation procedures were initiated in line with existing land laws.
Authorities emphasized that protecting land reserved for public use remains critical to sustainable urban planning. They noted that unchecked encroachment undermines long term development goals and places pressure on government resources when new land must be acquired for essential projects.
GOGIS management stated that digital land administration tools are being strengthened to prevent recurrence. The agency is also integrating geographic data systems to ensure transparency in allocation processes and reduce opportunities for manipulation.
State officials commended the agency for what they described as a decisive step toward restoring order in land governance. They reiterated that individuals found complicit in illegal allocations would face appropriate administrative or legal consequences.
Urban development experts say the move could improve investor confidence by reinforcing regulatory certainty. They argue that predictable land management frameworks are vital for infrastructure development and orderly expansion of cities.
Residents in some affected communities expressed mixed reactions. While many welcomed the recovery of land meant for schools and healthcare centers, others called for clear communication to avoid disputes where occupants claim legitimate purchase.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving public assets and ensuring that designated land serves its intended purpose. As GOGIS continues its verification exercise, authorities say further recoveries may occur where discrepancies are identified.
The development signals a broader effort by the Gombe State Government to modernize land administration and align urban growth with approved master plans.
