Cross River land agency, DG win awards

CRGIA Director-General, William Archibong Jr. received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award.

The Cross River State Geographic Information Agency has won two awards at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards, with its Director-General, William Archibong Jr., also recognised for his contributions to technology-driven governance.

The agency emerged as the Most Improved State GIS/Digital Land Administration Agency, while Archibong received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, the agency said the awards were presented by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms under the Presidency at 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 event by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, who presented the awards.

According to the agency, the institutional award recognises its work in digital land administration and the use of geospatial technology to improve governance and evidence-based decision-making across key sectors.

One of its initiatives is an agricultural commodity traceability system developed in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture.

The agency said the system uses geospatial technology to track agricultural commodities, describing it as a pioneering initiative among subnational governments in Nigeria and potentially across Africa.

The agency also said it had worked with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to apply geospatial intelligence to social inclusion and environmental protection.

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According to the statement, it recently conducted a geospatial survey of persons living with disabilities to support targeted policy interventions and established spatial early-warning systems for environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and risk management.

Speaking after receiving the awards, Archibong dedicated them to Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and the agency’s technical workforce.

He said the governor’s appointment, strategic support and provision of an enabling environment had helped the agency advance its 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,” Archibong said.

He added that the recognition would encourage the agency to continue reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and integrating geospatial intelligence into critical sectors of the state’s economy.

The conference brought together public-sector policymakers, technology leaders and development partners to showcase innovations and promote the modernisation of public service delivery in Nigeria.