World Bank Designates Kaduna as National Pilot for Innovative Land Titling and Digital Governance Reforms

World Bank chooses Kaduna as pilot for the Nigeria Land Titling Programme, highlighting Governor Uba Sani’s digital reforms and new KADGIS revenue lines.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:44 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

National Recognition for Pioneering Sub-National Land Governance

Kaduna State has achieved a significant milestone in urban administration by being designated as a model for the Nigeria Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme. Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe announced this development following a diplomatic consultation with representatives from the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Housing. This selection positions Kaduna as a pedagogical hub where other sub-national entities will study the successful implementation of land reforms, reflecting the state's proactive approach to resolving systemic bottlenecks in property registration.

Digital Transformation and the Evolution of Geographic Information Services

The elevation of the Kaduna Geographic Information Service, known as KADGIS, has served as the catalyst for the state's current national standing. Dr. Balarabe credited the strategic upgrades initiated under Governor Uba Sani for enabling the digital transition that caught the attention of federal and international stakeholders. While the state has made substantial progress in moving away from manual filing systems, the Deputy Governor noted that continued international support is vital to accelerate these technological reforms and maintain the momentum of modernization.

Expanding Fiscal Frontiers Through Advanced Sectional Titling

In a move to diversify the state’s economic base, Kaduna has introduced innovative revenue streams that were previously exclusive to the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos. According to Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim, Director-General of KADGIS, the administration is now operationalizing sectional titling, shop registration, and a farm lease programme. These new legal frameworks allow for more granular property rights and provide a structured pathway for revenue generation that reflects the complexity of modern urban and agricultural land use.