Dr. Ikpasaja reels out EdoGIS plans to transform Benin

   Managing Director, EdoGIS, Dr. Tony             Ikpasaja

Managing Director, (MD) Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Dr. Tony Ikpasaja has disclosed plans to transform Benin to a smart City by the Edo State government.

In an interview Dr. Ikpasaja stated plans to modernize the ancient city through reliance on strategic urban renewal and expansion programmes.

Ikpasaja said the initiative seeks to decongest the city centre and create new urban settlements that align with global standards for smart cities.

He emphasized that EdoGIS is actively engaged in configuring the city from its traditional landscape into a modern metropolis.

Interacting with the press from his EdoGIS office in Benin City, Ikpasaja affirmed, “We have new areas we need to develop, expand and create new cities and estates. Right now, we are working on creating a smart city that can compete with any in the world. This is not rocket science it is achievable.”

By this, EdoGIS is initiating a voluntary resettlement programme aimed at property owners in the City centre.

The EdoGIS MD said negotiations are underway with some residents in Akpakpava, Mission Road, Sapele Road, and Lagos Road, already expressing willingness to relocate.

“The strategy is to engage property owners in a transparent negotiation process. Many of the buildings in the city centre have been there for close to a century, with rusted roofs and mud structures. Those who agree to relocate will be compensated accordingly and we will provide them with alternative accommodation in new developments. Many families, including those in the diaspora, are already showing interest.”

He reassured the public that such relocations are entirely voluntary and aimed at providing affected residents with  better quality of life.

In response to concerns about infrastructural development in the proposed smart city, Dr. Ikpasaja affirmed that all necessary facilities, including green energy solutions, would be provided.

“In this smart city, we will have solar energy and other off-grid solutions to ensure a sustainable environment. Some houses in Benin City already operate on solar energy, and we plan to implement this on a larger scale within the smart city." 

Dr. Ikpasaja responded to raised allegations relating to difficulties at obtaining Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) from EdoGIS, as well as claims that the ICT system introduced by the previous administration is no longer functional. He dismissed these claims, attributing such to individuals who benefited from corrupt practices in the past. 

He noted, “Some of those making these allegations were beneficiaries of corrupt practices under the previous administration. Now that power has changed hands, they are not happy. Before we came in, consultants were charging exorbitant fees to process land documents, but we have introduced a new, foolproof revenue receipt system to curb corruption.”

He disclosed how consultants under the previous system charged as much as one million Naira (#1M) for a C of O, whereas the actual cost is only ₦100,000. He revealed that the state government had been pressured to pay ₦3.7 billion to these consultants, but, refused, opting instead to develop a more efficient system using local expertise.

“We cannot continue to waste public funds on inflated consultancy fees when we have skilled graduates from the University of Benin and other institutions who can do the job effectively. Those who profited from the old system are now trying to sabotage our efforts.” 

Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, Ikpasaja highlighted ongoing reforms within EdoGIS, including a comprehensive audit of C of O's issued under the previous administration. He noted that individuals who obtained land titles without making proper payments are being contacted and required to regularize their status.

“We have established a call centre to reach out to those who acquired their C of O's illegally. They will have to pay what is due to government. We are not out to victimize anyone, but we will not allow corrupt practices to continue.”

In hindsight, it should be understood that EdoGIS was established to streamline land administration in Edo State to make land acquisition more efficient and transparent. The agency is responsible for registering and granting land titles, including C of O's, Rights of Occupancy, and customary titles. Additionally, EdoGIS oversees land acquisition and compensation on behalf of the State government.

With the ambitious smart city initiative EdoGIS positions itself to play a pivotal role at reshaping Benin City’s urban landscape to ensure an organised, sustainable, and investor-friendly environment.