The Kogi State Government has annulled all consent approvals previously issued by private land owners, declaring that the authority to grant such approvals will now rest exclusively with the Office of the Executive Governor.
The decision was among the major resolutions adopted during the Kogi State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the New EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja, presided over by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, announced that all existing consent approvals issued by private individuals have been rendered invalid. Holders of such documents must revalidate them within four weeks at the Governor’s Office.
Fanwo explained that the government’s action follows the discovery of widespread forgery of consent approvals, a situation he described as a significant administrative and security concern.
“We have uncovered numerous fake consent approvals circulating across the state, many of which the government has no record of. This poses a serious security threat.
Centralizing approval authority and revalidating existing documents will allow us to accurately profile land users, establish genuine ownership, and enhance community security,” he said.
He emphasized that Governor Ododo’s administration is committed to transparency, orderliness, and the protection of citizens and investors, noting that the reform is necessary to safeguard public safety and ensure sustainable land management.
Fanwo reassured residents that the government will continue implementing reforms that strengthen governance and preserve the integrity of state assets.
Other key resolutions from the EXCO meeting include a directive mandating all Commissioners to provide three boreholes each in their respective local government areas, a daytime restriction on articulated vehicles within Lokoja, approval for the procurement of transformers across the state’s senatorial districts, and the consideration of the 2026 Draft Budget, titled the “Budget of Shared Prosperity.”
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