TheCable

The World Bank will reward states with $2 million each if they are able to implement geographic information systems (GIS) to capture at least 50 percent of property in urban areas with electricity connections before June 30, 2021.

According to a statement by Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, head of media and public affairs, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the grant comes under the states fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability (SFTAS) programme funded by the World Bank.

Bello-Barkindo said states must be able to provide accurate and sufficient details about the properties to qualify for the grant.

“However, it is imperative that these property records reflect accurate information about the name of the owner/occupier, size of the land parcel, size of the building, use of the land/property amongst other criteria required by the programme, ”the statement read.

“It is no news that states are at varying stages of GIS deployment with some notably Kaduna, Kogi, Lagos, Oyo, Nasarawa, and Gombe States leading the way.”

He added that the NGF will hold two virtual peer learning events (PLEs) on effective usage of GIS technology, in conjunction with the World Bank and the federal ministry of finance, budget and national planning.

The events, according to Olanrewaju Ajogbasile, NGF’s senior program manager, SFTAS technical assistance project, is scheduled on November 5, and November 16.

“The peer learning events are part of several capacity-building efforts aimed at supporting the effective deployment of GIS at the state level,” he explained.

“Efforts are underway to provide states with GIS data, orthophotos of property mapping and software to support enumeration.”

“GIS deployment and the consequential benefit of holding accurate land and property records will bring sanity to land administration across the country while ensuring that fair and right taxes, fees or levies are charged.”

Ajogbasile added that at least 160 persons would be in attendance at both peer learning events including state actors, partners and implementing agencies on the SFTAS programme.

State officials expected at the event include states project managers for the GIS deployment; directors of lands (ministry of lands/GIS agency); directors, property tax (state IRS); and states SFTAS focal persons.