By Itam Offor
The State Legislature has urged Local Government Council Chairmen across the State to constitute Land Allocation and Advisory Committees.
These committees are to act in accordance with Section 6(2) of the Land Use Act and issue Customary Rights of Occupancy (CRO) to interested applicants.
The Legislators also stressed the need for Council Chairmen and their Land Allocation and Advisory Committees to collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to sensitize citizens on the need to perfect their land titles and use them as collateral for obtaining loans to support their farming activities.
The House had deliberated on a motion sponsored by the Member representing Biase State Constituency, Hon Francis Ogban on the need to constitute Land Allocation and Advisory Committees in the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
Hon Ogban had reiterated that the Land Use Act of 1978, vest all land in the State under the control of the State Government while all land within the rural areas are vested in the Local Government Councils.
The Lawmaker stated, amongst other things, that; ” the Land Allocation and Advisory Committee is empowered to grant CRO to any person or organisation for the use of land in the LGAs for agricultural, grazing and residential purposes”.
He added that these Customary Rights of Occupancy (CRO) can be used as collateral for loans to help farmers develop and expand their farms while also generating revenue for the LG Councils.
Members, in their unanimous support of the motion outlined several advantages of the CRO including; reduction of land disputes, expansion of businesses, engagements for unemployed youths and generation of revenue for the Councils.
Concluding the debate, the Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed appreciation to the sponsor of the motion and other Lawmakers for their commitment to the wellbeing of CrossRiverians through their legislation stressing that the motion is aimed at providing an opportunity for rural farmers to improve their businesses and living stardards.
