Nigeria: Gombe Gives Land Owners Ultimatum for Recertification

4 January 2026

The Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) has granted land owners in the newly redesigned Shehu Abubakar District a final 10-day grace period to complete the recertification of their plots and collect allocation letters, warning that failure to comply will result in forfeiture.

The extension, approved by the Gombe State Government, will run from Monday, January 5, to Friday, January 16, 2026, and applies strictly to eligible allottees who had earlier participated in the documentation and verification exercise but were unable to conclude the process within the previous deadline.

Director General of GOGIS, Kabiru Usman Hassan, told Journalists during a press briefing that the exercise followed the revocation of Rights of Occupancy over lands in the former BAP 4 Layout pursuant to Executive Order No. 007 of 2024, in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act, citing breach of grant conditions and overriding public interest.

The revocation paved the way for a comprehensive land reform programme, including layout redesign, verification of interests, documentation, and recertification, after which the area was redesignated as Shehu Abubakar District.

According to the DG, documentation and verification commenced in September 2024, while issuance of new allocation letters began in November 2025, with priority given to individuals affected by the revocation.

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