Akwa Ibom Assembly adopts motion to establish land advisory cttees in 31 local councils to issue CRoO, increase access to agricultural credits, others

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has adopted a motion seeking to establish Land Allocation Advisory Committees across all 31 Local government areas of the state aimed at enhancing rural land administration and improving access to agricultural financing.

The motion, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker and member representing Itu State Constituency, Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem was passed during Thursday’s plenary, and was widely supported by members.

Leading the debate, Hon. Edidem decried the rising threat to food security, citing insecurity, and other socio-economic pressures. He identified poor land documentation in rural communities as a major barrier preventing farmers from accessing agricultural loans, despite numerous government initiatives and the existence of agric-based financial institutions.

“Many of our people are unable to use their land as collateral because they lack the necessary documentation, such as a Customary Right of Occupancy, which some commercial banks accept,” Edidem said.

He mentioned that the absence of functional land allocation advisory committees at the local government level has continued to stifle land registration efforts, limit agricultural investment, and reduce internally generated revenue.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom), Hon. Effiong Johnson (Mbo), and Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan) described the move as timely and essential. “Without proper land documentation, our people remain excluded from major economic empowerment schemes,” they stated.

Following deliberations from the motion, the House resolved that the governor, should invoke his powers under the Land Use Act to establish Land Allocation Advisory Committees in all 31 LGAs, and mandate local government chairmen and the proposed committees to issue Customary Rights of Occupancy to qualified individuals in their respective domains.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Udeme Otong commended the deputy speaker for the motion, noting that the initiative has the potential to drive rural development, empower local farmers, and expand access to agricultural credit.

The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok to transmit the resolution to the governor for prompt action.