Inside Edo
Okpebholo decentralizes EdoGIS to boost land administration
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
28 Oct 2025 08:46 PM
Benin, Edo – In a landmark move to bring efficient land administration services closer to the people, the Edo State Government has officially kicked off the decentralization of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) offices, with new operational centers now active in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.
The initiative, approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo shortly after his inauguration in November 2024, marks a significant shift from the centralized model previously operated solely from the EDOGIS headquarters on Sapele Road, Benin City.
The rollout began with the announcement on March 10, 2025, of two new EDOGIS service centers:Ekpoma Zonal Office – Located at the Esan West Local Government Secretariat, serving residents of Edo Central.
Auchi Zonal Office – Situated within the Etsako West Local Government Secretariat, catering to Edo North communities.
While the Ekpoma office commenced operations immediately, the Auchi office was officially launched on August 7, 2025, in a well-attended ceremony involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and government officials.
“This is a people-centered reform. No more traveling long distances to Benin City for a Certificate of Occupancy. We are taking governance to the grassroots,” - Governor Monday Okpebholo (August 7, 2025)
Since the decentralization began, EDOGIS has processed more than 9,000 Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs), clearing longstanding backlogs and reducing bureaucratic delays that previously frustrated landowners.
The new offices now offer full-spectrum services, including: Application for fresh CofOs Recertification of old titles, Land verification and surveying, as well as Payment and document collection.
Government sources told Daily South Nigeria that Edo South may soon see additional satellite offices in strategic local government areas to further deepen accessibility.
The decentralization of EDOGIS is seen as a model for responsive governance, reducing urban congestion, cutting costs for citizens, and enhancing transparency in land administration.
The initiative, approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo shortly after his inauguration in November 2024, marks a significant shift from the centralized model previously operated solely from the EDOGIS headquarters on Sapele Road, Benin City.
The rollout began with the announcement on March 10, 2025, of two new EDOGIS service centers:Ekpoma Zonal Office – Located at the Esan West Local Government Secretariat, serving residents of Edo Central.
Auchi Zonal Office – Situated within the Etsako West Local Government Secretariat, catering to Edo North communities.
While the Ekpoma office commenced operations immediately, the Auchi office was officially launched on August 7, 2025, in a well-attended ceremony involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and government officials.
“This is a people-centered reform. No more traveling long distances to Benin City for a Certificate of Occupancy. We are taking governance to the grassroots,” - Governor Monday Okpebholo (August 7, 2025)
Since the decentralization began, EDOGIS has processed more than 9,000 Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs), clearing longstanding backlogs and reducing bureaucratic delays that previously frustrated landowners.
The new offices now offer full-spectrum services, including: Application for fresh CofOs Recertification of old titles, Land verification and surveying, as well as Payment and document collection.
Government sources told Daily South Nigeria that Edo South may soon see additional satellite offices in strategic local government areas to further deepen accessibility.
The decentralization of EDOGIS is seen as a model for responsive governance, reducing urban congestion, cutting costs for citizens, and enhancing transparency in land administration.
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