EDOGIS Debunks Allegation

By Bernadette Idalu

Management of Edo State Geographic Information Service,(EDOGIS) led by Mrs Osaro Grace Aihie, has debunked the claim of dereliction of duty leveled against it by a social critic, Mr. Osazee Edigin concerning the alleged intentional delay of the issuance of certificates of occupancy (C of O) to those in need.

Reacting to the said writeup by Edigin titled, "EDOGIS IN RETROGRESSION," in which the writer pointed at the intentional delay with the issuance process of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to applicants, the agency pointed out that this was a false alarm as  the Managing Director, Mrs Osaro Grace Aihie came on board this August, 2022.

A release from the agency stated that immediately after taking over from the pioneer MD, the new management digitised and made seamless the process of obtaining a C of O, thus making it very possible, within thirty (30) working days, to get one in line with the 'Ease of Doing Business' mantra of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki. 

Pointing at the MD's diligence at job disposal, the release said, "On a weekly basis, She is known to swiftly and diligently treat  thousands of files and application forms and she accordingly transmits same to, His Excellency, the Governor, for his assent. This has evidently accounted for the  improved revenue profile from the agency recently.

Throwing light on innovations brought on board, it was pointed out, "In addition to Online application for digital C of O and digitalization of Survey plans there are several other reforms and innovations which the new management have  brought on board to checkmate sharp practices and fast track the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. 

"What we have discovered is that, more often than not, some applicants fail to tender or provide the requisite documents for obtaining a C of O while majority of them simply abandon their applications midway for  inability to provide the relevant supporting documents."

The agency opined that the reasons for delay based on listed conditions by applicants themselves inadvertently delayed the process of getting their certificates of Occupancy even under the present dispensation where the process is seamless.

It was clarified that most delays in the issuance of C of O's are occasioned by encumbrances arising from pending suits in court, disputes, claims and objections filed by land owners in respect of properties awaiting the processing of said C of O.

In such cases, the application is bound to be placed on hold till  such matters regarding disputed ownership are disposed of or resolved. Until such a case is concluded, and the Legal Department so advises, there is practically nothing anyone can do to issue a C of O.

 

Furthermore, there are  peculiar cases where the Cadastral Unit of EDOGIS discovers either an overlap with respect to a property in another application or in an existing C of O. Again, in such cases, the application will be placed on hold till the overlap or dispute is resolved by the parties involved. The Agency has a lot of such cases and this certainly, is not a new trend at all.

It is gratifying to note that based on the new reforms introduced by the current Management of EDOGIS, overwhelming commendations have continued to pour in from across all divides for the agency, and critical stakeholders whose properties have either been salvaged or secured in the process  are testifying to that effect. 

The release nonetheless urged the public and relevant stakeholders in the building industry to have faith in, and do business with the government agency for its excellent services anchored on global best practices .