Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the establishment of a new Government Reserved Area (GRA) as part of efforts to decongest Benin City, expand housing opportunities and attract investment into the state.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Associate Professor Innocent Ehiaguina Bello, disclosed this on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Berlin City, saying the governor had directed the agency to commence surveying and planning for the proposed estate.
Bello explained that the new GRA would be designed as a modern residential development supported by essential infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, electricity, water supply and telecommunications facilities.
He said the project would address pressure on existing urban infrastructure while creating opportunities for planned residential development and improving the state’s land administration system.
According to him, the proposed layout would clearly define plot boundaries, road alignments, access routes and designated land uses to guide construction and prevent unauthorised development.
He added that reliable cadastral records and secure land titles would help address recurring problems associated with multiple allocations, land grabbing, forged documents and property disputes.
Bello said the planning process would also consider green spaces, recreational facilities, sanitation, waste management and effective stormwater drainage to promote a more sustainable residential environment.
On the economic benefits, the EDOGIS managing director said the project could attract private investment, stimulate property development and generate employment opportunities through construction and related activities.
He explained that the proposed estate would explore housing options for different income groups, subject to the final approved scheme and government policy.
Bello further disclosed that EDOGIS would collaborate with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to undertake geospatial data acquisition, boundary verification, cadastral mapping and the preparation of reliable digital land records.
The exercise would also identify existing legitimate land interests and planning restrictions to minimise conflicts and protect lawful property rights.
He assured prospective investors and residents that the project would be implemented in accordance with relevant laws, environmental requirements and established approval procedures.
The EDOGIS boss advised members of the public to obtain information about the proposed development through authorised government channels and avoid making payments to unauthorised individuals or agents.
He said details concerning the location, approved layout, land allocation process, infrastructure development and implementation timetable would be announced after the necessary assessments and approvals had been completed.
The approval comes weeks after Governor Okpebholo disclosed plans to establish a new GRA while addressing concerns about flooding and poor infrastructure in the existing Government Reserved Area in Benin City.
During a meeting with members of the Edo State judiciary in October, the governor said three companies had submitted proposals with estimated costs of about ₦250 billion for infrastructure-related interventions. He also indicated that some properties might have to give way to accommodate planned improvements in the existing GRA.
The governor had said immediate attention would be given to palliative road and drainage works after the rainy season, while EDOGIS examined areas requiring improvements in water and electricity infrastructure.
The latest approval signals a move towards developing a new residential layout alongside broader efforts to improve urban planning and land administration in Edo State.
Bello described the project as part of the state government’s development agenda, reaffirming EDOGIS’s commitment to professional surveying, reliable land records, transparent land allocation and improved service delivery.
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