By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – As part of activities marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), women in Plateau State have engaged key stakeholders, including the State Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, Peter Gai, to seek support in acquiring and registering landed property.

With this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” the women are urging the State Government to align with the initiative by using relevant ministries to increase the number of registered lands owned by women.

Speaking during an advocacy visit to the State Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Town Planning—supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ-SEDIN) in collaboration with the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA)—Mrs. Charity Dimlong highlighted the challenges women face in land registration.

She stated, “Land ownership is a fundamental driver of economic empowerment, business growth, and financial security. However, women in Plateau State face significant barriers to land registration due to high costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and socio-cultural restrictions.

“Reducing the cost of land registration for women will promote gender equality, enhance economic participation, and boost state revenue through increased land formalization. With the theme of IWD 2025 being ‘Accelerate Action,’ we are here to present our request to reduce land registration costs for women and outline the economic and social benefits of this reform.”

She further emphasized that supporting women’s land ownership would contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and social stability, particularly benefiting widows, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

Earlier, Hauwa Mankilik, State Office Coordinator and Business Enabling Environment (BEE) Reforms/Investment Advisor at GIZ-SEDIN, stressed the importance of scaling up land registration for women and people living with disabilities. She advocated for cost reductions as a way to promote inclusivity.

She also noted that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has demonstrated gender-friendly policies, and urged stakeholders to leverage this commitment to further drive transformation in the state.

Tabitha Useni pointed out additional barriers to land ownership, including complex registration processes, lack of access to information, fear of land disputes, and traditional inheritance practices. She stressed that these factors discourage many women from pursuing formal land registration.

To address these challenges, the women proposed: A 50% reduction in registration fees for women and Fee waivers for widows, female farmers, and low-income women. And Flexible payment plans to make registration more affordable.

In response, Commissioner Peter Gai assured the delegation that he would discuss the possibility of reducing registration fees for women with the Governor. However, he immediately approved the use of a special stamp at a designated desk to expedite registration for women.

Additionally, he announced that a senior ministry official has been assigned to receive and fast-track women’s applications. He stated, “The registration form, which previously cost N5,000, is now free for women registering their lands. In the coming weeks, the Ministry will sponsor radio programs to raise awareness about women’s land ownership rights.”