KADGIS TO INTRODUCE LAND AGENTS REGISTRATION TO TACKLE PROPERTY FRAUD. (PHOTO).

 KADGIS To Introduce Land Agents Registration To Tackle Property Fraud

The Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) has announced plans to introduce a registration system for land agents as part of efforts to improve accountability and reduce property-related fraud in the state.

The Director-General of KADGIS, Dr Bashir Ibrahim, disclosed this on Wednesday in Kaduna during a town hall meeting on the 2026 Land Administration Reforms.

Ibrahim explained that the proposed system would require every land agent operating in Kaduna State to obtain a unique and non-transferable agent code.

According to him, the code would make it easier for KADGIS to identify the agents involved in land transactions and determine responsibility whenever disputes or fraudulent activities occur.

“Every agent must obtain an agent code. If any issue arises, we will know exactly which agent handled the transaction,” he said.

He added that registered agents would also be expected to register their sub-agents and staff under their respective codes to ensure that transactions conducted on their behalf could be properly traced.

Ibrahim said the registration exercise would cover both individual land agents and companies operating within the state.

He noted that the initiative would also help tackle cases involving fraudsters who impersonate legitimate land agents to sell properties or falsify land documents.

According to him, some genuine land agents had previously been subjected to investigations after their identities were allegedly used in transactions they had no involvement in.

The DG said the new registration system would therefore enable KADGIS and law enforcement agencies to trace transactions more effectively and differentiate genuine agents from those impersonating them.

Ibrahim also disclosed that KADGIS had strengthened its dispute-resolution process by carrying out preliminary investigations before referring land-related complaints to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said the approach had helped reduce unnecessary investigations involving individuals whose names were wrongly linked to disputed land transactions.

According to him, KADGIS now brings together land agents, buyers and disputing property owners for reconciliation meetings in an effort to resolve cases before they escalate to litigation or law enforcement agencies.

He disclosed that more than 3,600 land disputes had been resolved through the mechanism, including cases involving land agents, security agencies and the courts.

Ibrahim said KADGIS had, in appropriate cases, allocated alternative plots to parties who were found to have become victims of misunderstandings or improper transactions.

He added that the agency's internal verification and dispute-resolution mechanisms had also helped reduce the workload on the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“Only when there is financial fraud will the EFCC take over and deal with the client,” he said.

The KADGIS chief further said the agency had improved the security and standardisation of land documents while introducing National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) verification.

He said unencumbered plots could now be issued Certificates of Occupancy within 72 hours as part of the ongoing reforms.

Ibrahim disclosed that KADGIS had also reduced its operational workflow from 36 stages to seven, thereby eliminating unnecessary movement of documents between officers.

He said the agency had established a Quality Assurance Department responsible for checking the authenticity and quality of documents submitted for approval.

According to him, KADGIS had so far issued 15,379 signed Certificates of Occupancy under the reform programme.

He also said the agency had introduced regularisation measures that allow some applicants who previously faced higher charges to process their documents at significantly lower costs.

Ibrahim disclosed that land agents could approach his office for a 15 per cent discount on documentation fees, while higher discounts could be obtained through the governor.

He said KADGIS was also creating more opportunities for land agents through commercial property frameworks, particularly the registration of market shops.

According to him, Kaduna State is the first state in Nigeria to introduce sectional titling, which allows properties such as terraces and shops to be individually registered.

He said the agency had engaged market unions to develop strategies that would allow land agents to participate more actively in commercial property transactions.

Ibrahim further disclosed that property developers in Kaduna State are now required to have Corporate Social Responsibility and security frameworks before commencing development.

He acknowledged the role of district heads in resolving land disputes, describing them as important pillars of the reconciliation process.

Speaking during the event, Michael Adache, Head of the Land and Property Fraud Section of the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Directorate, described land fraud as a financial crime that is linked to identifiable physical properties.

Adache said land fraud could involve deliberate deception, forgery, impersonation, manipulation or other unlawful acts carried out to acquire, sell, transfer, mortgage or profit from land.

He identified emerging forms of land fraud to include cyber-enabled fraud, forged title documents, multiple allocations, identity theft, land grabbing and insider collusion.

He warned that criminals were increasingly exploiting digital land administration systems through fake government websites, cloned portals, stolen passwords, phishing schemes and manipulated electronic documents.

According to him, insider collusion could involve unauthorised changes to land records, backdating of documents, disclosure of confidential information and manipulation of property searches.

Adache noted that land fraud could also lead to other financial crimes, including obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, conspiracy, money laundering and tax-related offences.

He, however, stressed that not every land dispute amounted to a criminal offence, noting that law enforcement intervention requires evidence of criminal intent.

He urged land administrators and other stakeholders to strengthen identity verification, cybersecurity, access controls, audit trails, transparency and internal safeguards.

He also called for suspicious transactions to be reported promptly, stressing that digitalisation of land administration must be accompanied by adequate security and accountability measures.

Governor Uba Sani described land agency as a legitimate profession capable of creating opportunities when practised with honesty and transparency.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Muhammad Abubakar, urged land agents to make truth and integrity the foundation of their dealings with clients and other stakeholders in the sector.

According to him, maintaining transparency would help agents avoid practices that could trigger disputes and weaken public confidence in the profession.

Sani also acknowledged the contributions of the KADGIS Director-General towards addressing land-related challenges across Kaduna State.