The Plateau State Government is seeking to strengthen land ownership rights, protect farming communities and create a more transparent environment for responsible investment through its participation in the Global Project on Responsible Land Governance in Nigeria (GP Land).
The initiative is expected to provide an opportunity for the state to strengthen its land administration framework, promote sustainable land-use practices and address issues surrounding community land rights, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Mr Peter Kanang Gwom, disclosed this during his remarks at the Global Project on Responsible Land Governance in Nigeria, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Gwom described responsible land governance as critical to the state’s development, noting that the management of land resources has far-reaching implications for agricultural productivity, climate resilience and economic growth.
He said, “Responsible land governance is fundamental to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, economic growth and the protection of community land rights.”
The commissioner noted that Plateau State’s inclusion among the project’s focus areas presented an opportunity to strengthen land rights, empower smallholder farmers, encourage responsible investment and promote sustainable land-use practices.
He emphasised the need for an inclusive approach to land administration, stressing that land policies must protect community interests while creating opportunities for productive economic activities.
“This initiative presents an opportunity to strengthen land rights, empower smallholder farmers, promote responsible investment and advance sustainable land-use practices,” he said.
Gwom reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with development partners and relevant institutions to promote transparent and sustainable land management.
“I reaffirm our commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that ensure land resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of our people and future generations,” he stated.
The Global Project on Responsible Land Governance in Nigeria is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with relevant Nigerian government institutions.
The initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader reform agenda, which includes the planned overhaul of the Plateau State Geographic Information System (PLAGIS), systematic land title registration and improved security features for land ownership documents.
Together, these efforts form part of the state’s broader approach to strengthening land administration, protecting property rights and ensuring that land resources contribute to sustainable development.
