In a notable move towards a paperless governance system, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, has announced plans to introduce electronic signing of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
Speaking with journalists in Benin City, Governor Obaseki expressed his commitment to embracing technology and streamlining government operations.
Under the governor’s leadership, Edo State has made significant strides in adopting e-governance practices, resulting in the digitization of seven million government documents.
This digital transformation has not only improved efficiency and transparency but also ensured accountability and prompt service delivery to the people of Edo.
Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of reducing the cost of governance by leveraging technology. With the issuance of computerized C-of-Os already underway, the governor now aims to introduce electronic signing, marking a renewed effort to enhance efficiency and transparency in land administration.
He stated, “We have focused on our nuanced reforms to improve our land administration system. Soon, I will be signing our C-of-Os electronically. They are the only documents I sign manually anymore. Everything else is online; we are truly paperless.”
The Obaseki-led administration has prioritized land reforms to simplify the process of land registration and enhance land management in Edo State.
As a result, more than 30,000 C-of-Os have been approved and issued in the past seven and a half years, benefiting property owners across the state.