The Cross River State Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) and its Director-General, William Archibong Jr., have received two awards at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards in Abuja....
The Cross River State Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) and its Director-General, William Archibong Jr., have received two awards at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards in Abuja.
The agency emerged as the 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, George Akume, was represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, who presented the awards.
According to the agency, the institutional recognition reflects its progress in digital land administration and the application of geospatial technology to improve governance and evidence-based decision-making across key sectors.
One of its notable innovations 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, an initiative the agency described as pioneering among subnational governments in Nigeria and potentially across Africa.
The agency has also deployed geospatial intelligence in social inclusion and environmental protection through collaborations with relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
It recently conducted a geospatial survey of persons living with disabilities to support targeted policy interventions.
CRGIA has equally established spatial early-warning systems to strengthen environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and risk management across the state.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Archibong dedicated the honours to Governor Bassey Otu and the agency’s technical workforce, crediting the governor’s support and provision of an enabling environment for the agency’s reforms.
“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,” he said.
Archibong added that the recognition would encourage the agency to intensify efforts to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and integrate geospatial intelligence into 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 innovations and promote the modernisation of public service delivery in Nigeria.