The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kaduna Branch (Barnawa), paid a courtesy visit to KADGIS management led by the Director General, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim, to express their appreciation to the State government, for the land allocated to the association in Barnawa for the establishment of their center.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the branch Chairperson highlighted that in addition to showing gratitude for the allocation they were also visiting to seek for collaboration between NBA and KADGIS on land-related matters, to curb the increasing issue of fake lawyers involved in land transactions and land related crimes.
As part of the proposed partnership, the NBA is working on developing a unique seal or stamp that would authenticate documents issued by the association. This seal would serve as a means of verifying that any document related to land transactions genuinely originates from a certified lawyer within one of the four NBA branches in Kaduna State. Any document lacking this seal, she noted, should be treated as inauthentic.
The Chairperson also commended the DG for the digital reforms implemented within KADGIS, which have enhanced efficiency and transparency in land administration.
In his response, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim expressed full support for the NBA’s initiative, stating that any legal application submitted without the proposed seal would henceforth be considered invalid. He revealed that KADGIS is working on a new database to capture all legal templates and a comprehensive list of lawyers engaged in land transactions across the four branches in Kaduna. This initiative aims to improve due diligence and eliminate fraudulent activities.
Additionally, the DG advocated for training sessions for lawyers involved in land matters, suggesting that KADGIS staff also participate to understand the legal aspects of land dispute resolution better. He proposed a joint working relationship among estate surveyors, town planners, valuers and lawyers to strengthen the integrity of land transactions in the state.
In conclusion, Dr. Ibrahim advised the NBA to draft a formal proposal to the Kaduna State Governor outlining how the association can support government efforts to improve the ease of doing business. Both parties expressed commitment to the proposed partnership.