The Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, MNIPR, FTIFUH, has outlined plans to strengthen transparency, improve institutional coordination and streamline land administration processes to boost investor confidence, protect legitimate interests and support the state’s development agenda.
Ekpang disclosed this while reflecting on his first two months in office as Commissioner for Lands and Head of the Lands Cluster, following his appearance before the Cross River State House of Assembly to defend the Ministry’s 2027 budget estimates.
The Commissioner identified institutional unity, stakeholder collaboration, transparent procedures and proper documentation as major priorities, stressing that effective land administration requires all agencies and stakeholders to work towards common objectives rather than operate independently.
“For me, unity is the first priority,” Ekpang stated, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration, openness and shared responsibility among the various agencies and stakeholders within the Lands Cluster.
He explained that the Ministry had commenced efforts to strengthen engagements among the different components of the sector to identify challenges, clarify institutional responsibilities and develop collective solutions to issues affecting land administration.
On transparency and investor confidence, Ekpang stressed the need for clearly defined procedures for land transactions, clearances, documentation and other official processes, noting that members of the public and investors should understand the requirements and timelines involved in accessing land-related services.
He maintained that Cross River State, which is attracting investment interests, could not afford ambiguity in its land administration processes, adding that proper documentation and transparent transactions were essential to building confidence in the system.
The Commissioner also highlighted the need for careful handling of land-related claims, particularly compensation matters and areas affected by existing court pronouncements. He said such cases, some involving extensive portions of dry and swampy land, required thorough examination of relevant records, documents and judicial decisions before government could determine appropriate actions.
Ekpang assured that the Ministry would handle such matters in accordance with the law, ensuring proper documentation and fairness to all parties while protecting the legitimate interests of government, communities and other affected persons.
He further expressed his determination to strengthen the Lands Cluster as a coordinated platform for addressing sectoral challenges, calling for greater professionalism, cooperation and information sharing among the agencies.
Speaking on the 2027 budget, the Commissioner described it as an opportunity to direct resources towards strategic priorities, including improved land administration, stronger records management, better documentation and more efficient service delivery.
He also assured communities, investors and other stakeholders of the Ministry’s readiness to sustain engagements aimed at addressing land-related concerns and promoting responsible land use.
“There is a lot of work to be done, but I believe that with unity, collaboration and the right approach, we can move the land sector forward and contribute meaningfully to the development agenda of His Excellency, the Governor, and the people of Cross River State,” he said.
The Commissioner said his vision was to build a united, transparent and responsive Lands Cluster that would provide greater certainty for investors while safeguarding the legitimate land rights and interests of citizens and communities.
By Afiong Ndem
