28/08/2025
RE: CLARIFICATION ON THE SOKOTO STATE LAND RECERTIFICATION AND DIGITAL CERTIFICATE POLICY
The attention of the Sokoto State Geographical Information System (SOGIS) has been drawn to a misleading and poorly researched commentary made by Barr. Abdulrahman Muhammad Jariri, a legal practitioner, concerning the ongoing Land Recertification and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) exercise.
It is important to state categorically that the policy being implemented by the Government is not about revocation of land titles, but rather about recertification and regularization of property ownership in line with the law. The distinction is fundamental and should not be misunderstood by any lawyer who has diligently studied the relevant legal provisions.
Unfortunately, the said publication is misleading, inaccurate, and unbecoming of a member of the noble legal profession. The Rules of Professional Conduct (2007) for Legal Practitioners require lawyers to be thorough, honest, and circumspect before making public statements. Misrepresenting facts and inciting fear in the public domain violate Rule 1 (upholding the dignity of the profession), Rule 32(1)(d), and Rule 39(1)(a)(b) (prohibition against misleading publicity).
It is therefore necessary to set the record straight.
Misconstrued Legal Provisions
The lawyer erroneously relied upon the following provisions:
Section 28(1)–(8) of the Land Use Act, 1978 (Cap L5 LFN 2004):
This section deals specifically with revocation of land rights by the Governor for public purpose or non-compliance with grant terms. The Sokoto State Government has not invoked powers of revocation under Section 28. Instead, it has introduced a recertification process allowing property owners to update and validate their records.
Section 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended):
This provision prohibits compulsory acquisition of property except in the public interest and with compensation. The current exercise is not compulsory acquisition but a reform mechanism for transparency, proper record-keeping, and sustainable land administration.
Sections 14 & 21 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Cap A9 LFN 2010):
Section 14 guarantees the right to property but allows regulation in the interest of the community and due process.
Section 21 provides for management of resources in the interest of the people.
These provisions justify Government’s decision to regulate land ownership through recertification—ensuring land resources benefit the entire society.
Advantages of the New Policy
The benefits of recertification and digitalization include:
Eliminating fraud and forgery of C of Os that plagued the manual system.
Establishing comprehensive land and housing records in Sokoto State.
Enabling secure transactions—sale, mortgage, or transfer of land rights—with Government-issued digital C of Os.
Biometric-based verification, allowing instant confirmation of authenticity by citizens, buyers, banks, and lawyers.
Enhancing revenue compliance—over 85% of current C of O holders are in default.
Facilitating access to credit, as banks prefer verifiable, digital C of Os.
Supporting town planning and sustainable urban development through accurate GIS-based data.
New Smart C of O features:
Waterproof and durable smart certificates.
Certificate comes with the photograph of the owner.
Reverse side contains the history of previous owners with their photographs, ensuring transparency in land transactions.
A dedicated window for corrections and adjustments, including:
Change of Name
Change of Purpose (e.g., residential to commercial)
Merger of plots
Separation of plots
Clarification on Fees
Part of the misinformation being spread by the said lawyer is that all residential and shop owners must pay ₦200,000 to the State Government. This is false and misleading.
The reality is as follows:
Property owners with existing Certificates of Occupancy are only required to come forward for recertification to obtain the new Smart C of Os.
Fees payable are structured based on property categories (residential, commercial, petrol filling stations, large-scale farmlands) and are clearly stated.
The process also creates an opportunity for those without Certificates of Occupancy to apply and secure one legally for the first time.
Professional Conduct and Responsibility
It is regrettable that Barr. Jariri misled the public by conflating revocation with recertification, thereby creating unnecessary panic. This demonstrates professional negligence and a failure to distinguish between Section 28 of the Land Use Act (revocation) and an administrative reform policy (recertification).
Any lawyer addressing constitutional rights and land administration must carefully study the law before rushing to the press. Failure to do so reflects a lack of diligence inconsistent with the noble legal profession.
Government’s Commitment
The Sokoto State Government remains committed to:
Upholding the constitutional right to property under Section 44 CFRN.
Administering land in trust for the people in line with the Land Use Act 1978.
Ensuring conformity with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The ongoing recertification exercise is lawful, beneficial, and progressive. It secures tenure, promotes transparency, prevents double allocation, and enhances property value across the State.
The public is therefore advised to disregard the misleading commentary and continue cooperating with the Government in this transformative exercise.
The action filed in court by the said lawyer is misconceived and defective in both law and substance. By invoking irrelevant provisions on revocation and compulsory acquisition, he has failed to appreciate that the policy concerns administrative recertification, not revocation or seizure of land. His arguments are misleading and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
Conclusion
The Sokoto State Government reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of property rights, transparent land administration, and the modernization of land management systems for the benefit of all.
We call on property owners to take full advantage of the recertification exercise and secure their titles in the new digital regime.
SIGNED:
Hon Commissioner Ministry Of Lands and Housing Sokoto
