By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Government has intensified efforts to modernise governance through the digitisation of land administration and public services as part of measures to enhance transparency, improve service delivery and boost investor confidence.

The Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed this while receiving managers of radio stations in the state during a courtesy visit to his office.

Chukwumerije said the administration of Governor Alex Otti is implementing a broad reform agenda anchored on institutional transformation, digital innovation and strategic development projects aimed at repositioning Abia as a leading investment destination.

According to him, the state is advancing several legacy projects, including the feasibility study for the proposed Abia Seaport, the modular refinery project at Owaza and a major agro-industrial partnership with Presco, which has progressed to the trace-cutting stage, with survey teams already working across parts of Abia North.

The commissioner stressed the need for robust media support in creating public awareness of government initiatives, noting that citizens deserve accurate information about ongoing reforms and development projects across the state.

He commended the Abia State Digitization Bureau for driving the state’s digital transformation agenda through technology-driven systems and round-the-clock operations across government institutions.

According to him, the bureau is replacing manual processes with digital platforms, digitising records and workflows, improving data management systems, expanding internet connectivity and implementing electronic document archiving to enhance efficiency and accountability in governance.

Chukwumerije said the impact of the reforms is already evident in the land administration sector, where the digitisation of land records and transaction processes has improved access to property information, reduced processing delays, curtailed fraudulent practices and enhanced transparency in land ownership documentation.

He noted that the reforms are making land transactions easier and more secure while strengthening confidence among local and foreign investors seeking opportunities in the state.

The commissioner also conducted the visiting media executives around the Abia State Citizens Engagement Centre, describing it as a key platform established by the current administration to deepen citizen participation in governance.

He explained that the centre enables residents to lodge complaints, make enquiries and receive prompt feedback from relevant government agencies, thereby promoting transparency, accountability and responsive governance.

Chukwumerije reiterated that the Digitization Bureau and the Citizens Engagement Centre remain central pillars of Governor Otti’s vision of building a transparent, responsive and digitally enabled government capable of delivering quality services to the people.

The visiting media managers, including Mr. Samson Eze of FLO FM Umuahia and representatives of Love FM and Reel FM, pledged continued collaboration with the government to promote public awareness of developmental projects and governance reforms across Abia State.