By Sylvia Okoi
The Director General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), Mr. William Archibong, has called for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and his agency to ensure effective land administration across the state.
Archibong made the call when he led a delegation to the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr and Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana, at the Umor-Otutu Palace, as part of activities marking the 2025 Leboku International New Yam Festival.
Congratulating the Obol Lopon on the successful hosting of the annual cultural event, the CRGIA boss outlined the agency’s core services, which include consent processing, mapping and consultancy services, processing of land allocations, and the issuance of digital, bankable, and tamper-proof Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for both statutory and customary lands.
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He commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for the sweeping reforms that have repositioned the agency, particularly in scaling up the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
Archibong emphasized the need to decentralize land administration by replicating the state model at the local government level, which, he noted, would enable rural dwellers to access bank loans, boost agricultural productivity, and improve livelihoods.
“Land security reduces communal crises and fosters peaceful coexistence. By bringing the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy closer to the people, we are not only securing their land rights but also empowering them economically,” he stated.
On his part, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana, welcomed the DG and his team, expressing optimism about the agency’s interventions in land management. He stressed the need for Yakurr, with its vast land resources, to embrace best practices in land administration in order to maximize its potential.
“The benefits of CRGIA to our community are enormous, especially in addressing land-related issues and ensuring proper land use,” the monarch said.
The visit, which coincided with the 2025 Leboku Festival, was aimed at fostering collaboration between CRGIA and traditional institutions in advancing land management in the state. The Agency is positioning itself to support Local Governments in the issuance of bankable and tamper proof Customary Rights of Occupancy to Rural dwellers.
The DG was accompanied by the project coordinator, Cross River Geographic Information System, Mr. Jesam Iwara. Head, Legal Service CRGIA, Barr. Kenneth Edet.
