Examining the Application of Ict in Land Use Charge Administration in Kano State

ABSTRACT Land use charge administration plays a vital role in revenue generation and urban development, especially in growing cities like Kano State, Nigeria. However, issues such as inefficiency, lack of transparency, and revenue leakages have necessitated the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in land administration processes. This study is aimed at assessing the application of ICT in land use charge administration in Kano State, focusing on identifying the ICT tools used, evaluating their impact, and examining their role in promoting transparency. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 13 staff members of the ICT Operational Committee at the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS). The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), employing descriptive statistics and weighted mean analysis. The findings revealed that database management systems, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and online payment portals are the most frequently used ICT tools. The study also showed that ICT has significantly enhanced the speed and accuracy of land use charge administration while reducing revenue leakages. Moreover, ICT has played a crucial role in promoting transparency by minimizing manual processes and improving access to information. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government intensify efforts to expand and upgrade ICT infrastructure in land administration, adopt newer technologies, enforce digital security protocols, and implement comprehensive digital land databases. Additionally, there is a need for continuous staff training, public awareness campaigns, legal and policy reforms, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to ensure sustainable and efficient ICT integration in land use charge administration.