ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS ON LAND ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA
Traditional land administration methods depend on manual record keeping, resulting in design and implementation projects that necessitate excessively extended timeframes. Technological advancements have led to more efficient, complex, and expedited execution of duties related to land administration. These advancements encompass the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS). Effective urban land management relies on the provision of high-quality, dependable, and timely information. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology can ensure this information by digitising land records. The conventional approach to maintaining land records in most land registries across the country is no longer feasible in the contemporary information age due to its inherent challenges. This study employs a quantitative research design utilising a non-probability purposive sampling method, supplemented by snowball sampling, to engage professionals in the real estate and valuation sectors and gather insights on the efficiency and effectiveness of Geographic Information System (GIS) applications in land administration in Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed, of which 127 were returned and used for this research. The findings suggest that the majority of estate valuers perceived ABIA-GIS as enhancing land administration and mitigating land disputes and expressed satisfaction with the management of land registration by government personnel. They concurred that, notwithstanding the rise in land registration fees following the implementation of ABIA-GIS, this increase was proportional to the services provided. The findings provide hope in the quest for sustainable land administration management necessary for effective management of natural resources in sub-Saharan Africa.
Estate Surveyors, Geographic Information System, Land Administration.