… Digitizes Borno Entire Land Allocation System in Historic Reform
By:Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
In a groundbreaking press briefing held at the BOGIS auditorium along Biu Road, Maiduguri, on Wednesday, the Executive Secretary of Borno Geographic Information Service, Engineer Adam Bukar Bababe, unveiled a transformative digital land administration platform that is fundamentally reshaping the future of property allocation in Borno State. Standing before an audience of journalists, stakeholders, and development enthusiasts, the young and visionary pioneer Executive Secretary declared an end to decades of bureaucratic delays, human interference, and opaque land allocation processes that have long frustrated citizens seeking legitimate access to land.
“I stand on existing protocol. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” Engineer Bababe began, his voice reflecting both confidence and purpose. “The layouts we are presenting today are not merely parcels of land. They represent Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s unwavering commitment to urban renewal and sustainable development as enshrined in our 25-Year Development Plan and its 10-Year Implementation Strategy.”
The ambitious project aligns seamlessly with Governor Zulum’s comprehensive vision for the expansion of Maiduguri metropolis and other strategic cities across Borno State. Under Bababe’s dynamic leadership, BOGIS has evolved from a traditional land management agency into a cutting edge digital powerhouse driving transparent, efficient, and corruption free land administration. This transformation represents one of the most significant public service reforms in the history of Borno State, demonstrating that good governance and technological innovation can work hand in hand to serve the people effectively.
Central to this transformation is the Maiduguri Ring Road, a visionary 130 kilometer infrastructure masterpiece designed entirely by BOGIS. Flagged off by Governor Zulum in late 2024, this ring road encompasses the entire Maiduguri metropolitan area, connecting critical locations from Njimtilo Axis through Gwange, Tungushe, and the Chad Basin Research Institute area, extending to Dalori, Silvaz in Mafa, and returning to Njimtilo near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Phase One of the project, spanning 16.5 kilometers, is already underway with 10 kilometers paved and fully operational. Along this transformative corridor, BOGIS has meticulously designed multiple residential and commercial layouts to accommodate the state’s growing population and facilitate economic expansion.
“As of today, we have launched four layouts comprising 2,777 plots, offering a mixture of residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational spaces,” Engineer Bababe announced with evident pride. “Within the week, a fifth layout with an additional 2,100 plots will be released, bringing our total to approximately 4,300 plots available for allocation.” What makes this initiative truly revolutionary is not simply the impressive number of plots, but rather the seamless, transparent, and corruption free digital process through which they are being allocated to deserving citizens.
“Gone are the days when you needed to interact with officials, pay bribes, or seek connections to secure land allocation,” Bababe declared emphatically, his words resonating with an audience all too familiar with past frustrations. “Our new system operates with zero human interface. You apply online, your application is processed online, and approval is granted online. No one needs to know your face. No one needs to like or dislike you. The system is fair, transparent, and incorruptible.”
The statistics emerging from the first 48 hours of operation speak volumes about the system’s efficiency and overwhelming public acceptance. Within less than two days of launch, 7,720 applications were submitted to the platform. Of these, 2,661 applicants completed the full process including payment of the non-refundable application fee of five thousand naira for residential purposes or ten thousand naira for commercial applications. The system has already issued 137 approvals with automatic plot allocation, and these numbers continue to climb every minute as more citizens discover this transparent pathway to land ownership.
The sophistication of the system ensures absolute fairness at every stage. Each applicant creates a personalized portal on the BOGIS website, submits required documentation including their National Identity Number, selects their preferred plot category and location, and makes the required application fee payment. The system then automatically allocates available plots based strictly on the principle of first come, first served, completely eliminating any possibility of favoritism, nepotism, or corruption. For citizens less familiar with digital technology, BOGIS has thoughtfully incorporated a representative appointment feature, allowing applicants to designate trusted individuals to manage their applications on their behalf, with all such arrangements fully documented within the system for complete accountability and transparency.
Demonstrating remarkable technical mastery and urban planning expertise, BOGIS has segmented the available plots into three carefully designed density categories to accommodate different needs and budgets. High density plots measure 450 square meters, equivalent to the traditional 50 feet by 100 feet plot size, with prices ranging from 750,000 naira to 4 million naira depending on location. Medium density plots range from 600 to 900 square meters, offering more spacious options for those seeking additional land. Low density plots measure 1,200 square meters, providing premium residential space in the most desirable locations. Furthermore, plots are classified by their proximity to the main Ring Road into front, middle, and rear categories, with pricing carefully adjusted to reflect market value, accessibility, and development potential.
“When we launched the portal just 36 hours ago,” Bababe explained while demonstrating the live system to the assembled journalists, “high density front plots numbered 352. Now that number stands at zero. Medium density plots in prime locations are nearly exhausted. The public response has been absolutely overwhelming because people have seen and experienced the transparency we have built into every aspect of this system.” As he navigated through the digital interface, the Executive Secretary showcased Real time data that revealed the intricate workings of this revolutionary platform. Each applicant’s photograph, National Identity Number, email address, phone number, plot preference, and payment confirmation are all captured and displayed. Once BOGIS staff verify compliance with basic eligibility criteria, specifically that the applicant is 21 years of age or older and possesses a valid NIN, the system instantly generates an offer letter, automatically allocates a specific plot number from the available pool, and sends the complete documentation to the applicant’s email address. Payment of the land premium can then be completed online through an integrated payment gateway, creating a truly end to end digital experience that requires no physical visit to any government office.
Engineer Bababe took particular care to emphasize that BOGIS is not merely allocating bare land but rather building complete, livable communities with full infrastructure. Road construction along the Ring Road is progressing rapidly, with contractors working around the clock to meet ambitious timelines. Water supply facilities are being installed to ensure residents have access to this essential resource from day one. Each layout incorporates comprehensive urban planning with designated spaces for worship centers serving different faiths, civic centers for community gatherings, police and fire stations for security and safety, recreational parks and green spaces for leisure and environmental sustainability, and commercial zones to support local economic activity. “We do not allocate land in anticipation or on paper,” he stressed firmly. “We only advertise and offer plots when comprehensive development plans are complete and infrastructure development is already underway. This commitment ensures that every allocation translates into a functional, habitable space rather than an empty promise.”
The young Executive Secretary walked the audience through a live demonstration of the approval process, revealing the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes his administration. “Look at this applicant,” he said, pointing to the screen. “All his details are captured here. His photograph, his contact information, his preferred land use. He indicated he wants to build a filling station. Now, filling stations require special consideration because we can only accommodate a limited number in each layout for safety and planning reasons. So we skip this application temporarily and call the applicant for additional documentation like Department of Petroleum Resources approval. But see this next applicant who simply wants residential land? Three clicks and he is approved. His offer letter is generated automatically and sent to his email immediately. If you know this person, call him right now. He has his offer letter and can proceed to make payment and claim his allocated plot.”
This level of transparency and efficiency represents a quantum leap from the old system where land allocation could take months or even years, often requiring multiple visits to government offices, informal payments to expedite processing, and connections to influential people. The frustration and corruption that characterized the previous era have been swept away by technology, political will, and the visionary leadership of a young man determined to prove that government can work for the people rather than exploit them.
At a relatively young age, Engineer Adam Bukar Bababe has distinguished himself as a pioneer Executive Secretary whose tenure will undoubtedly be remembered as a watershed moment in Borno State’s administrative history. His achievement in dismantling bureaucratic inefficiency and entrenching digital governance in land administration serves as a model for other states and agencies across Nigeria. His leadership exemplifies the new generation of Nigerian public servants who are tech savvy, transparent, accountable, and genuinely committed to delivering measurable results that improve citizens’ lives. Under his stewardship, BOGIS has not only digitized records and processes but has fundamentally reimagined the relationship between government and citizens in property matters, transforming it from one of suspicion and frustration to one of trust and efficiency.
This remarkable transformation reflects Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s broader vision of a modern, transparent, and service-oriented administration that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of ordinary citizens. The Governor’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10 Year Implementation Strategy provide the strategic framework, but it is young, dedicated professionals like Engineer Bababe who are translating that vision into concrete reality on the ground. The synergy between visionary political leadership and competent technical execution has created something truly special in Borno State, offering hope and inspiration not just to citizens of the state but to Nigerians everywhere who yearn for honest, efficient governance.
Engineer Bababe concluded the briefing with an open invitation that captured the spirit of inclusion and accessibility that defines his administration. “Any Nigerian citizen aged 21 and above with a valid National Identity Number is eligible to apply for these plots. Simply visit our portal at app.bogis.bornostate.gov.ng or scan the QR code on our promotional materials available throughout Maiduguri. You can also visit our office along Biu Road here in Maiduguri if you need assistance with the online process. Our staff are ready to help you navigate the system.” The application categories accommodate diverse needs, ranging from residential plots in high, medium, and low density configurations to commercial spaces for business development, institutional plots for schools and hospitals, designated areas for petroleum and gas facilities, and recreational parks to enhance quality of life.
As the briefing concluded and journalists filed out with their notes and recordings, one message resonated clearly above all others. Borno State, under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s visionary leadership and through Engineer Adam Bukar Bababe’s innovative and dedicated execution, has set a new benchmark for land administration in Nigeria. This benchmark is defined by transparency that eliminates corruption, efficiency that respects citizens’ time, and an unwavering commitment to public service that puts people’s needs ahead of bureaucratic convenience. The digital revolution unfolding at BOGIS is not merely a technological upgrade or a modernization of outdated systems. It represents something far more profound and transformative. It is a powerful statement that governance in Nigeria can indeed be honest, accessible, efficient, and truly serve the people it is meant to serve. It proves that with the right leadership, the right vision, and the right commitment to excellence, we can build institutions that make Nigerians proud rather than frustrated.
For citizens of Borno State and indeed Nigerians everywhere, the BOGIS transformation offers more than just access to land. It offers renewed hope that change is possible, that young leaders with integrity and vision can make a difference, and that technology can be harnessed not to complicate government but to simplify it and make it work for ordinary people. As thousands of applications continue flooding into the system and more layouts are prepared for release, the future of land administration in Borno State looks brighter than ever before. This is not just a story about plots of land or digital systems. This is a story about transformation, leadership, vision, and the determination to build a better future for all citizens.
The Borno Geographic Information Service can be reached for inquiries and applications at their office along Biu Road, PMB 1081, Maiduguri, Borno State. Contact numbers are 0904 292 7238 and 0808 045 3063. Email inquiries can be sent to bogis@bornostate.gov.ng. The online application portal is accessible at app.bogis.bornostate.gov.ng where the journey to transparent, efficient land allocation begins with just a few clicks.
The future of land administration is here in Borno State. It is transparent, digital, accessible to all qualified citizens, and designed to serve rather than frustrate. Under the pioneering leadership of Engineer Adam Bukar Bababe and the strategic vision of Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, BOGIS has shown that excellence in public service is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality. This is the new Borno State, and this is the new standard for governance in Nigeria.
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