Edo State Government Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Land and Housing Reforms
The Edo State Government has restated its commitment to transparent land administration and structured housing development, as the newly appointed Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Yakubu Musa, outlined the state’s reform priorities during his first briefing in Benin City on Tuesday.
Musa said the administration would enforce due process, strengthen digital land management systems, and advance people-centred housing policies aligned with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s broader governance agenda.
Musa positioned the Ministry of Lands and Housing as a core driver of the state’s development strategy. He emphasised that the government intends to correct long-standing administrative bottlenecks, irregular allocations, and opaque land transactions that have undermined public confidence and slowed investment.
According to Musa, the ministry will accelerate the digitisation of land records to eliminate manual processes that create delays and limit accountability. He described digital transformation as essential for improving investor trust, supporting urban planning, and ensuring citizens have equitable access to land services.
Alignment with the SHINE Agenda and Federal Housing Priorities
The commissioner noted that the state’s housing agenda would directly support Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE framework focused on Social Welfare, Housing, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth. He said the state aims to expand affordable housing supply through structured partnerships with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
These housing initiatives are expected to target low- and middle-income households while encouraging private-sector involvement in large-scale housing delivery.
Urban Renewal and Expansion of Housing Delivery
Musa stated that the ministry will champion urban renewal programmes designed to improve liveability, enhance infrastructure, and support population growth in key urban centres. He added that housing projects would be intentionally distributed to address community needs, stimulate local economies, and advance the governor’s vision for a modern and inclusive Edo State.
He also stressed that his leadership will prioritize efficiency and accountability to ensure that housing delivery aligns with broader economic and social development goals.
The commissioner said the state aims to eliminate barriers that have historically frustrated citizens, investors, and developers seeking approvals or land documentation. By institutionalizing transparency and accelerating service delivery, the ministry hopes to reposition land and housing as catalysts for economic expansion and social stability.
Conclusion
Edo State’s renewed push for transparent land administration and structured housing reform reflects a broader effort to modernize governance and attract sustainable investment. As the new commissioner assumes office, the success of the reform agenda will depend on effective policy execution, cross-government collaboration, and measurable improvements in service delivery.
