“When we say digital, we mean from start to finish.”
These were the words of our CEO, Ms. Akinlabi Ajoke, at the unveiling of the Digitised Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) Scheme in Cross River State.
For us at Nugi Technologies Nig Ltd, this is more than just a project, it’s the kind of impact-driven innovation we live for. Every day, we see how technology can unlock opportunities for real people. And Cross River State has taken a bold step in that direction. Thanks to the vision of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the support of the Cross River State Land Cluster, and Sterling Bank, Cross River has fully embraced digital land administration.
“Getting a Certificate of Occupancy used to take years, frustrating many landlords and business owners. Now, we are changing that. With this new digital system, we can deliver certificates faster, cleaner, and more efficiently,” the Governor said. And he didn’t just say it. He proved it by personally presenting Certificates of Occupancy to long-awaiting recipients, including Prof. Victor Okon Ansa and Mainland Oil and Gas Company Ltd.
Ms. Akinlabi Ajoke, CEO Nugi Technologies Nig. Ltd, shared what this milestone means to us as a tech company rooted in service: “When we say digital, we mean from start to finish. Every stage of the process, from application to final issuance, is now online. This synergy between the Land Cluster, the State Government, Cross River Internal Revenue Service , our Technology Team and Sterling Bank is what makes this breakthrough possible. This is digital transformation at its best. Every process is now online; secure, simple, and efficient.”
Dr. Francis Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Lands, made it clear that this isn’t just about property, it’s about economic access. “This exercise is unlocking Cross Riverians who were locked out of the economy. With these certificates, property owners can now stand tall before any financial institution.” That’s the kind of impact we believe in.
Surv. Patrick Bassey, the State Surveyor General, spoke about the integrity of the new system: “This shows Cross River is now on a digital growth path. These C-of-Os now come with security features like QR codes that make each one verifiable and tamper-proof. I urge citizens to take advantage of this new system.”
Mr. Williams Archibong, Director-General of the Cross River State Geographical Information Agency, highlighted the speed and structure this new system now guarantees: “With the new system, C-of-O for government land will now be issued within 21 days, and within 42 days for private land. This is a major departure from the past administration, where analogue systems led to delays and frequent errors. Now, everything is digitized and streamlined.”
The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) also played a key role in the success of this reform. By integrating revenue collection into the digital C-of-O system, CRIRS has made secure, trackable payments possible from anywhere, reducing stress for applicants and boosting transparency. This has significantly reduced leakages, increased transparency, and ensured that the State is better positioned to reinvest in infrastructure and public services.
You can’t talk about this reform without mentioning the role of Sterling Bank, a key partner that brought not just financial backing, but deep support for public sector innovation.
Representing Sterling Bank, Chidinma Onyemaizu, the Public Sector Relationship Manager, spoke with conviction about the bank’s role in the transformation journey and the government’s supportive stance: “What we have seen under Governor Otu’s leadership is a government that is not only visionary but also deliberate about creating an enabling environment for institutions like ours to thrive. At Sterling Bank, we are deeply inspired by the transparency and innovation behind this digital C-of-O project. It aligns with our own values, leveraging technology to make lives better. We are proud to support this initiative and will continue to work with the State to improve service delivery and access to finance for all.”
Her remarks reinforced Sterling Bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that drive meaningful change in Cross River State.
One of the most powerful moments at the event was the testimony of Prof. Victor Okon Ansa, who had applied for his C-of-O many years ago with no progress until now. “It felt almost impossible to get a C-of-O. But this administration has changed that narrative. It’s a new dawn for Cross River. This reform sends a strong message that the state is open and ready for business.”
At Nugi Technologies, we are honored to be part of the digital transformation journey of Cross River State, and we are just getting started.
With all stakeholders working in sync, Land Cluster, CRIRS, , and Sterling Bank, Cross River is not just transforming land administration; it is building a digital ecosystem that puts citizens first.
Want to experience the new system?
Applications for C-of-O are now open via the official portal portal.crossriverstate.gov.ng.
Let’s digitize the future, together.
