Joel Osaigbovo Aluge, Reporting
Benin City, Edo State
The Edo State Government has encouraged residents and property owners in the state to promptly pay the land use charges associated with properties.
Encouraging prompt payment of land use charges is crucial for the state’s revenue generation and infrastructure development. Adhering to the regulations outlined in the State Land Use Charge Law 2023 helps ensure equitable distribution of tax burden and supports the maintenance of public services.
The notice from Mrs. Osaro Grace Aihie emphasizes the seriousness of complying with land use charges in Edo State. Enforcement actions like property seizure, penalties, and legal measures are necessary to ensure accountability and sustain revenue streams for essential services and infrastructure development.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Land Use Charge Law of 2023, this notice serves to inform you that there are outstanding land use charges associated with properties under your ownership/occupation. It is imperative that these charges are settled promptly to avoid further enforcement actions as stipulated by the Edo State Land Use Charge Law 2023 as amended,” Mrs. Aihie said.
She explained that enforcement action will include but may not be limited to the following steps: “Seizure which involves the closure of the property until payment is made in full; imposition of Penalties and Interest as penalties and interest will continue to accrue on the outstanding amount until full payment is made, and legal action”.
“If the outstanding amount is not settled within 30 days upon receipt of this notice, legal action will be taken to recover the debt,” she said.
The EdoGIS MD said the agency would like to avoid “taking such drastic measures and urge you to settle the outstanding land use charge as soon as possible to avoid any further escalation of the situation”.
“Please contact us immediately at our office to discuss payment options or to seek clarification on the outstanding amount. Failure to respond to this notice and settle the outstanding land use charge will result in legal action being taken against you,” she said.
“Please do not pay cash to anybody; ensure you pay your money to a dedicated account specified on your LUC demand notice, and please do not deal with middlemen,” she further said.