Enugu, NIGERIA — In a major step towards land management reform, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday signed the Land Use Regulation 2025 and Executive Order No. 1, 2025, which designates several areas of the state as urban zones.
This decision, made under the provisions of the Land Use Act 1978, marks a significant shift in the way land and property transactions will be handled in the state. The order aims to streamline the land administration process, promote transparency, and enhance revenue generation in Enugu State.
The newly signed Executive Order, titled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas,” officially categorizes Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South Local Government Areas (LGAs) as urban zones. These areas, which make up some of the most populous regions of the state, are now classified as urban, reflecting their growth and development.
In a bold expansion of this initiative, the entire Udi, Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Nsukka LGAs have also been designated as urban areas, signaling the state government’s commitment to modernizing land management in both urban and rural zones. This broad expansion is designed to bring more clarity to land transactions in these regions and improve governance around land allocation.
Additionally, the order introduces specific urban designations within several other LGAs, which have long experienced rapid urbanization and increasing population. Among these are the Ndeabor Urban Area, spanning a 10km radius, and the Oduma Urban Area, covering a 20km radius, both situated in Aninri LGA. These designations are intended to better capture areas of growth and facilitate improved planning for infrastructure and services.
Other important urban areas identified include Agwu Town, which has been designated as a major urban center with a 25km radius, and towns such as Ihe, Agbogugu, Mgbowo, Isu-Awa, Mmaku, Ituku, and Owelli-Court. Furthermore, areas in the Ezeagu LGA, including Aguobuowa and Oghe, have also received urban status, along with Ogbede, Ukehe, and Aku in Igbo-Etiti LGA, Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North, and Ibagwa Aka in Igbo Eze South. Even the towns of Ikem and Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo LGA, Oji-River, Ugwuoba, and Inyi in Oji-River LGA, and Obollo-Afor and Orba in Udenu LGA, have all been designated urban areas under this new policy.
Governor Mbah emphasized that these new designations would lead to greater transparency in land management and create a more structured approach to property ownership and development. “This is a historic milestone for our state,” Governor Mbah said at the signing ceremony. “We have taken a decisive step in ensuring that land transactions in our state are clear, efficient, and transparent, with a clear regulatory framework for everyone involved.”
The Governor further explained that the move aligns with the launch of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), a technological platform that will digitize land records and simplify processes such as land title applications and searches. The system aims to eliminate the long-standing issues of corruption, inefficiency, and opacity that have hindered land transactions in Enugu State.
One of the key features of the new Land Use Regulation is its commitment to eliminating hidden charges and promoting a transparent process for land transactions. Governor Mbah pointed out that prospective land buyers and property developers will now have a clear understanding of the fees involved and the timelines for processing applications. This, he said, will not only make land transactions more predictable but will also reduce the opportunities for bribery and corruption that often plague land administration.
“This regulation will ensure that there are no more surprises or hidden fees when it comes to land dealings. Every individual applying for land documents or services will know the exact fees and how long it will take for their applications to be processed,” Mbah assured. “For too long, land management in this state has been mired by confusion, double allocations, and illegal land grabbing. With these reforms, we are putting an end to those practices and bringing much-needed clarity to the system.”
The Governor also highlighted the fact that residents of the newly designated urban areas can now apply for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for their properties. This step will empower citizens to fully own their properties under the new urban zoning system and further formalize the land tenure process across the state.
Mbah also spoke about the measures taken to raise public awareness of the new Land Use Regulation and the geographic information system. “We are committed to educating the public about these changes,” he said. “Through extensive campaigns and outreach, we will ensure that all residents are aware of the new regulations, how to apply for land documents, and the benefits they stand to gain from these reforms.”
In conclusion, Governor Mbah reiterated that the newly signed regulation and the establishment of the Geographic Information System would make the land management system more efficient and citizen-friendly. “These reforms are not just about designating land as urban areas,” he said. “They are about bringing order, transparency, and progress to land administration, ensuring that our state can attract investment, grow economically, and provide better services for its people.”
This landmark move by Governor Mbah is expected to significantly enhance the ease of doing business in Enugu State, improve urban planning, and set a new standard for land management in Nigeria. As the state moves forward with these initiatives, the hope is that Enugu will emerge as a model of modern land governance in the country.
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