By Emmanuel Elebeke

The outgoing Pioneer Director-General of the Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS), Tpl. Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, has highlighted the reforms implemented during his six-year tenure, which he said transformed land administration in Gombe State through technology, transparency and institutional development.

In a farewell statement marking the end of his tenure, Hassan described public office as a responsibility requiring accountability and dedicated service, saying he owed the people an account of the reforms carried out under his leadership.

He said GOGIS was established not just as a government agency but as an institution aimed at modernising land administration through technology, professionalism, transparency and improved service delivery.

Hassan attributed the success of the reforms to the support and political will provided by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, which enabled the agency to implement institutional, legislative, policy and technological changes.

According to him, the agency established modern operational structures, developed a permanent service centre, digitised thousands of land records and layouts, introduced digital Certificates of Occupancy, upgraded geospatial mapping systems, strengthened physical planning processes, improved internally generated revenue and enhanced engagement with stakeholders.

He said the reforms had positioned GOGIS as an institution capable of sustaining its achievements beyond the tenure of any individual leader.

“I remain profoundly grateful to His Excellency for the confidence he reposed in me and for demonstrating the political will that allowed professionals to discharge their responsibilities within the confines of the law, even when those decisions were difficult or unpopular,” he said.

The former DG commended the management and staff of GOGIS for their commitment and professionalism, while appreciating the support of government agencies, professional bodies, traditional institutions, development partners, security agencies, investors and residents of the state.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the reform process, Hassan said institutional resistance, legal complexities, operational constraints, public misconceptions and personal pressures tested the agency’s resolve.

He, however, said the challenges reinforced the need for courage, integrity, consistency and commitment to public service in achieving sustainable reforms.

While celebrating the agency’s achievements, Hassan acknowledged that some objectives were not fully achieved during his tenure and that some decisions attracted criticism.

He said such experiences provided lessons that strengthened institutional resilience and leadership capacity.

The former GOGIS boss urged public officials to prioritise institution-building over personal interests, stressing that the future of land administration and public sector governance in Nigeria depends on professionalism, innovation, institutional independence and adherence to the rule of law.

“It has been an extraordinary honour to serve as the Pioneer Director-General of GOGIS. I leave office grateful for the opportunity, proud of the foundation that has been laid, mindful of the lessons learned and optimistic that GOGIS will continue to serve as a model of transparent, technology-driven land administration for many years to come,” he said.