Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has issued an Executive Order No. 007 of 2024, effectively revoking the rights of occupancy over lands situated in the BAP 4 Layout.
The decision follows an extensive audit and verification exercise conducted by the Gombe State Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation (PIME) Committee, which revealed significant irregularities and breaches of the terms and conditions associated with the land grants.
In the Executive Order, the Governor emphasised that the grantees of the right of occupancy had failed to adhere to the clear terms and conditions set forth in the grants.
As a result, all rights of occupancy granted over lands within the BAP 4 Layout have been revoked, citing breaches of the grant terms and the overriding public interest.
The BAP 4 Layout, originally designed and allocated by the then Bauchi State Government prior to the creation of Gombe State in 1996, has been the subject of neglect and developmental stagnation for over four decades.
The PIME Committee’s findings highlighted a series of concerning issues, including the failure of titleholders to develop their plots, illegal conversions, subdivisions, and encroachments that have distorted the layout beyond recognition.
Furthermore, the public-use components of the layout plan, such as schools, health facilities, and access roads, have been compromised, rendering the area non-compliant with modern standards.
The audit also revealed environmental degradation, including the expansion of gully erosion, which is actively destroying plots within the layout.
Also, the non-payment of ground rent and other charges by titleholders, coupled with glaring documentation deficiencies, contributed to the government’s decision to take decisive action.
The affected lands are situated at the following geographical coordinates:
– Latitude 10°16’05.9″ N, Longitude 11°08’04” E (by New Mile Three)
– Latitude 10°16’37” N, Longitude 11°08’09” E (bordered by Wuro Liman)
– Latitude 10°16’34” N, Longitude 11°07’25” E (by the New Mile Three roundabout)
– Latitude 10°17’10” N, Longitude 11°07’15” E (by Gombe International Hotel)
– Latitude 10°17’14” N, Longitude 11°07’40” E (by Orji/Shongo Housing Estate)
As contained in the Executive Order, pending the fulfillment of other legal requirements, all affected parties have been notified that their rights of occupancy are no longer valid.
However, the Executive Order stipulates that owners of lands with unexhausted improvements will be fairly and equitably compensated for the value of those improvements.
The Gombe State Geographic Information Service (GOGIS) has been directed to redesign the BAP 4 Layout to make it functional, livable, and connected to the broader community.
The redesign will include the creation of average-sized plots for commercial and residential use, resizing plots to accommodate public utilities, and planning for proper road networks, sidewalks, water supply, and other essential infrastructure.
GOGIS has been instructed to screen and confirm the original titleholders for reallocation and recertification, as well as to regularize the customary titles in the Wuro Liman area. Those whose rights of occupancy were affected by the order will be given the right of first refusal in the new allocation exercise, upon payment of necessary charges.
Interested and affected persons have been advised to contact GOGIS for further information or clarification. The Executive Order takes effect from Wednesday, 28th August, 2024.
