The Nasarawa State Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of stringent policies aimed at reforming land administration and combating the increasing cases of land grabbing and fraudulent property transfers across the state.
Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barrister David Sule Moyi, announced the new measures on Monday through an official statement issued in Lafia, the state capital.
In his statement, Moyi emphasized the critical importance of land as "a fixed and immovable asset" that forms the foundation of all human activities. He highlighted the necessity for transparent and accountable land management to support the state's socio-economic development.
"It is no longer business as usual," the commissioner declared, expressing concern over the alarming increase in fraudulent land deals, particularly the unauthorized sale of properties belonging to deceased persons without proper legal documentation.
Key Reform Measures
The new policies include several stringent measures designed to curb land-related fraud:
1. Mandatory Identification: All individuals involved in land transactions, including those seeking the Governor's consent, processing mortgages, or executing other legal dealings, must now present valid and updated identification documents.
2. Company Resolution Requirement: Registered companies with multiple directors applying for the Governor's consent or processing mortgages must submit a company resolution. This document must be properly signed by either two directors or one director and the company secretary, in accordance with corporate governance procedures.
3. In-Person Transactions: All property assignments and mortgage agreements must now be executed in person. Proxy transactions will only be accepted when accompanied by a valid power of attorney or when managed through a qualified legal representative.
"These reforms are designed to shut the door on fraudulent actors who exploit legal loopholes for personal gain," Moyi stated, emphasizing the need for thorough verification to prevent impersonation and unauthorized dealings.
The commissioner also called on staff within the ministry to maintain high standards of professionalism and vigilance when processing land documents, stressing that only genuine and legally compliant transactions would receive approval.
Moyi concluded that these directives align with Governor Abdullahi A. Sule's vision of establishing a transparent, efficient, and corruption-free land administration system in Nasarawa State.
