The Kogi State House of Assembly has resolved to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to tackle the growing problem of land encroachment within designated tourism sites across the state.
The resolution followed the appearance of the General Manager of the Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board, Hon. Prince Philip Olusesan Orebiyi, before the House Committee on Lands, alongside the Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, Salihu-Otaru Kehinde Augustine.
Presenting a detailed report titled “Systemic Land Encroachment Within Designated Tourism Sites: A Threat to Kogi State IGR and Cultural Heritage,” Hon. Orebiyi warned that uncontrolled residential development within tourism zones is eroding the state’s cultural heritage and undermining its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) potential. He cited key locations such as Mount Patti and colonial relics in Lokoja, noting that the absence of clear demarcation has encouraged gradual encroachment by private developers.
The Tourism Board further disclosed that Certificates of Occupancy are being issued for residential purposes on lands already designated under the Tourism Master Plan, creating conflicts between land allocation and heritage preservation. According to the report, such developments degrade the aesthetic and commercial value of tourism sites and threaten their long-term sustainability.
Citing the Land Use Act of 1978, the Board emphasized that tourism lands fall under overriding public interest and should be protected from private residential use. It warned that continued loss of tourism land results in reduced hospitality taxes, gate fees, employment opportunities, and other economic benefits associated with the tourism value chain.
Responding to the concerns, DG Lands, Salihu-Otaru Kehinde Augustine, acknowledged the challenges and admitted that land-use conflicts exist in parts of the state, attributing them to gaps in coordination among relevant agencies.
The session was chaired by Hon. Abu Onoruoiza Jibril, Chairman of the House Committee on Lands and member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, who assured that the Assembly would exercise its oversight powers to ensure effective remedies. He stressed the need for proper integration between the Ministries of Lands and Culture and Tourism to prevent further encroachment.
At the end of deliberations, the Committee resolved to pursue a coordinated land management framework aimed at protecting tourism assets and preserving them for the collective economic and cultural benefit of Kogi State.
