Zakari Haruna Isah
Kaduna State Government has officially flagged off its Sectional Titling Programme, an initiative designed to enable owners of shops, apartments, terrace houses and other individual units within multi-unit developments to obtain legal titles for their properties.
The programme, described by the state government as the first of its kind in Nigeria, is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company (KMDMC) and the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS).
The initiative is expected to strengthen property ownership, improve investors' confidence and unlock the economic value of individual units that previously could not obtain separate legal recognition.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director of KMDMC, Alhaji Ahmed Shehu Haruna, described the programme as a historic achievement for Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Haruna commended the Director General of KADGIS, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim, for conceiving the initiative and ensuring that the idea was transformed into reality.
He also expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for providing the political will and leadership required to implement the programme.
According to him, several previous administrations had attempted to introduce sectional titling in the state, but the initiative had never been successfully implemented until the present administration.
The KMDMC boss said the successful launch represented a significant milestone in efforts to reform property ownership and land administration in Kaduna State.
Also speaking, the Director General of KADGIS, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim, commended Governor Uba Sani for his commitment to modernising land administration through innovative and people-centred reforms.
Bashir said the administration had continued to introduce measures aimed at improving land-related services, strengthening investor confidence and resolving land disputes across the state.
He explained that the Sectional Titling Programme was consistent with the administration's objective of expanding access to secure land ownership while unlocking the economic potential of properties that could not previously enjoy individual legal recognition.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the first Certificates of Occupancy issued under the programme to pioneer beneficiaries.
The presentation formally marked the commencement of the sectional titling scheme and demonstrated its potential to strengthen property rights, increase investment opportunities and enhance the value and security of individually owned units.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Engr. Muhammad Abdul Karim expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani, KMDMC and KADGIS for introducing the initiative.
He described the programme as a "game changer", saying it would provide greater legal protection for property owners, boost confidence in investments and create lasting value for beneficiaries.
The Kaduna State Government subsequently urged owners of eligible shops, apartments, terrace houses and other multi-unit properties to take advantage of the programme by processing legal titles for their individual units.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms aimed at promoting secure property ownership, stimulating economic growth and positioning Kaduna State as a leader in innovative land administration in Nigeria.