By Faheem Lawal
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, Thursday, won double honours at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards, with his administration recognised for digital land administration and pioneering geospatial innovations.
Governor Otu who was represented at the ceremony by the Director-General of the Cross River State Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), Hon. William Archibong Jr., Otu’s administration secured the award for Most Improved State GIS/Digital Land Administration Agency, while Archibong received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award.
The awards were presented by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), under the Presidency, during the 4th Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards held at Zuma Hall, Rockview Hotel Royale, Abuja.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, mni, who presented the awards.
The recognition highlights Cross River State’s efforts to deploy digital technology in land administration, public-sector planning and evidence-based decision-making.
Under Otu’s leadership, CRGIA has expanded the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) beyond conventional property documentation to address challenges in agriculture, environmental protection, disaster preparedness and social inclusion.
Speaking through Archibong, the governor attributed the achievement to his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms, strategic investment in technology and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation. He said the awards would encourage the state to deepen its digital transformation agenda and strengthen the use of geospatial intelligence in delivering public services.
A major innovation credited to the agency is an agricultural commodity traceability system developed in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture. The system uses geospatial technology to track agricultural commodities, providing a digital approach to monitoring agricultural activities and improving traceability across the value chain. CRGIA described the initiative as a pioneering effort among subnational governments in Nigeria, with potential for wider application across Africa.
The agency has also deployed geospatial intelligence in social inclusion and environmental protection through collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
It recently conducted a geospatial survey of persons living with disabilities to generate data that can support targeted interventions and more inclusive policy decisions.
In addition, it has established spatial early-warning systems to improve environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and risk management across the state.
Archibong, who received the individual award on behalf of the agency’s leadership and technical workforce, commended Governor Otu for the strategic support and institutional backing that had enabled CRGIA to advance its reforms.
He said the recognition reflected the administration’s determination to make technology an integral part of governance and to strengthen the capacity of public institutions to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
“Geographic Information Systems are no longer merely tools for property documentation. They are the bedrock of modern governance, providing the spatial intelligence required to solve cross-sector challenges, protect our environment and ensure inclusive, sustainable development,” Archibong said, conveying the governor’s position on the importance of geospatial technology to modern public administration.
He added that the recognition would strengthen the agency’s resolve to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and integrate geospatial intelligence into the operations of critical sectors of the state’s economy.
The 4th Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards brought together public-sector policymakers, technology leaders and development partners to showcase digital innovations and promote the modernisation of public service delivery in Nigeria.
The honours place Cross River State’s digital land administration reforms and geospatial applications in the national spotlight as the Otu administration pursues technology-driven governance and sustainable development.