Application of Geographic Information Systems in Land Administration Management in Abuja

Geographic information systems have transformed land administration practice in urban contexts, enabling more efficient parcel management, tenure documentation, and planning decision support. This study examines the application of GIS in land administration management in Abuja's Federal Capital Territory, evaluating how the Federal Capital Development Authority has integrated spatial data systems into its operational workflows. A professional case study design was adopted, using document analysis of FCDA's land information systems, technical interviews with 12 GIS specialists and land administration managers within the authority, and comparative review of land administration GIS applications in comparable African capital cities. System performance was assessed against criteria including data currency, user accessibility, inter-departmental data sharing, and contribution to development permit processing efficiency. Findings are expected to reveal that while FCDA has made notable investments in GIS infrastructure, operational gaps persist in data currency, system maintenance, and the integration of spatial data into routine administrative decision-making at the desk officer level. Challenges related to staff training, software licensing, and data standardization are documented. Recommendations address a phased GIS modernization roadmap for FCDA land administration, mandatory GIS training for all land officers, open data standards for parcel records, and development of a public-facing land information portal to improve transparency and reduce transaction costs. Keywords: GIS, Land administration, Abuja, FCDA, Spatial data management.