The Cross River State Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) has won two honours at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards, emerging as the Most Improved State GIS/Digital Land Administration Agency, while its Director-General, Mr. William Archibong Jr., received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award.
The awards were presented by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), under the Presidency, during the 4th Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards held at Zuma Hall, Rockview Hotel Royale, Abuja.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, mni, presented the awards in recognition of the agency’s progress in digital land administration and the application of geospatial technology to public service delivery.
According to the agency, the institutional award acknowledges its deployment of geospatial technology to improve governance, strengthen evidence-based decision-making and support development planning across critical sectors of Cross River State.
One of CRGIA’s notable innovations is an agricultural commodity traceability system developed in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture. The system uses geospatial technology to track agricultural commodities, providing information that can improve traceability, accountability and the management of agricultural value chains.
The agency described the system as a pioneering effort among subnational governments in Nigeria, with the potential to serve as a model for wider adoption across Africa.
Beyond agriculture, CRGIA has collaborated with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to deploy geospatial intelligence in social inclusion and environmental protection. Its recent geospatial survey of persons living with disabilities is designed to support targeted policy interventions and help government agencies better identify and respond to their needs.
The agency has also established spatial early-warning systems to strengthen environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and risk management, enabling authorities to use location-based information in identifying potential hazards and planning appropriate responses.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Archibong dedicated the honours to Governor Bassey Edet Otu and the agency’s technical workforce, acknowledging the governor’s appointment, strategic support and provision of an enabling environment as important factors in the agency’s progress.
“Geographic Information Systems are no longer merely tools for property documentation. They are the bedrock of modern governance, providing the spatial intelligence required to solve cross-sector challenges, protect our environment, and ensure inclusive, sustainable development,” Archibong said.
He added that the recognition would strengthen the agency’s resolve to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and expand the integration of geospatial intelligence into the operations of critical sectors of the state’s economy.
The Director-General noted that the awards would further encourage the agency to develop technology-driven solutions that improve public administration, support informed policy decisions and enhance service delivery to residents of Cross River State.
The 4th Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards brought together public-sector policymakers, technology leaders and development partners to showcase digital innovations and promote the modernisation of public service delivery in Nigeria. The double recognition places CRGIA among the agencies recognised for advancing technology-enabled governance and digital land administration.
