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The Benue State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals has announced the immediate suspension of all consultants and contractors involved in land planning, surveying, and related activities across the state, citing rampant irregularities and illegal practices that have plagued land administration.
The decision was made public on Monday, February 2, 2026, by the Commissioner for Lands, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, during a high-level meeting with community leaders from Ugondo in Makurdi Local Government Area. The engagement took place at the residence of District Head Tyoor Terseer Ihwakar.
Dr. Ikyaan explained that the sweeping suspension followed a thorough and critical review of numerous complaints and ongoing court cases. These include serious allegations of forged signatures on allocation papers, installation of illegal beacons, grossly inflated settlement fees, unauthorized land reviews, and deliberate efforts to block rightful owners from accessing government-allocated plots.
The Commissioner stressed that such malpractices would no longer be tolerated under the current administration. He called on members of the public to exercise caution and always verify the authenticity of any land allocation documents directly with the ministry before making any purchase or commitment. “Illegal practices will no longer be tolerated,” he warned, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The visit to Ugondo also yielded a positive outcome, as an agreement was reached with community leaders to standardize and harmonize settlement fees across all local communities. The move is aimed at eliminating inconsistencies, reducing opportunities for exploitation, and promoting transparency in land-related transactions.
Community leaders, including Zaki Joseph Akaana and District Head Zaki Terseer Ihwakar, commended the ministry for confronting the anomalies head-on. They expressed renewed confidence in the Commissioner’s commitment to restoring order, fairness, and integrity in land administration in Benue State.
Dr. Ikyaan was accompanied on the visit by a team of senior ministry officials, including Surveyor General Surv. Emmanuel Nôngo, Directors of Administration, Lands and Town Planning, Deeds Registrar Terfa Yainjô, Assistant Surveyor General Surv. Joshua Ashir, Principal Administrative Officer Miss Mwuuese Akange, and Information Officer Mrs. Nguungwanan Leke.
The suspension and accompanying reforms signal a major shift in the state’s approach to land governance, with observers noting that the measures could help curb long-standing corruption, reduce disputes, and restore public trust in the ministry’s processes. As the crackdown begins, stakeholders anticipate stricter enforcement and greater accountability in one of Benue’s most contentious sectors.
