Cross River Government Partners with Nugi Technologies to Digitise Land Title Process, Promises C-of-O in Record Time

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

In a bold move to overhaul land administration and unlock economic opportunities for residents, the Cross River State Government has launched a fully digitised Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) scheme in partnership with Nigerian software company, Nugi Technologies and Sterling Bank, the project’s financial backers and investors.

For years, acquiring a C-of-O in Cross River has been a frustratingly slow process, often taking several years and limiting access to financial services such as bank loans, which require land titles as collateral. But that’s about to change. Now, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, the state has taken a significant step towards reform. The new digital platform, developed by Nugi Technologies, promises to reduce processing time: C-of-Os for government-owned land will be issued within 21 days, and those for private land within 42 days.

While receiving a presentation from the Cross River State Land Cluster, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s “people-first” approach. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to using innovation to ease the burden on our citizens and unlock economic potential,” he said.
The digitised C-of-O scheme developed by Nugi Technologies, a Nigerian software company known for simplifying complex systems, with financial backing from Sterling Bank, marks a significant step in that direction. Director General of the Cross River State Geographic Information Agency (CRSGIA), William Archibong, assured the public of the system’s integrity, stating: “The process was designed by Nugi Technologies, and the public can be assured that there are no leakages within the system.”

Ajoke Akinlabi, Acting CEO of Nugi Technologies, highlighted the system’s user-centric approach. “We wanted a process where residents could submit applications and make payments from the comfort of their homes, without needing to visit government offices or endure long queues,” she said.

Each certificate issued through the new platform is embedded with a unique QR code, making it verifiable and tamper-proof. This transition from manual to digital processing marks a significant step forward in ensuring transparency, reducing delays, and improving overall service delivery.

For many residents, the change is already being felt. Eno Edet, a recipient of the new C-of-O, recalled applying during the previous administration and described the process as “herculean.” She added, “It’s refreshing to see that obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy can now be fast and stress-free.”

The initiative, led by the Cross River State Land Cluster, is not only a win for property owners but also a significant leap forward for digital governance in Nigeria. Nugi Technologies has reaffirmed its commitment to helping both public and private institutions adopt smarter, more efficient systems that prioritise user needs.

As the system rolls out fully, the Cross River State government is positioning itself as a forward-thinking player in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive, setting a new standard for land administration that other states may soon follow.