The Federal Government has threatened to revoke Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for property owners who fail to pay outstanding ground rent within the next 60 days, citing losses of “trillions of Naira” in uncollected revenue.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Ahmed Dangiwa issued the warning Wednesday at the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands in Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Abuja.
“This non-compliance cannot be tolerated under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Dangiwa said, emphasising the government’s need for revenue to deliver on its promises to Nigerians.
The Minister also warned residents’ associations that have been preventing ministry workers from accessing estates for billing and enforcement purposes, stating they must comply with their C of O terms or face penalties.
In a move to modernise land administration, the ministry has expanded its Electronic Certificate of Occupancy (e-C of O) system nationwide. The digital platform has already processed over 600 applications as of October 2024, with plans to clear all backlogs by December.
“We’re in a state of emergency regarding land administration,” Dangiwa said, adding that the new electronic system will be integrated into a larger national land titling program being implemented with World Bank support.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, stressed the importance of sustainable land use practices and protecting community rights. “Land tenure is closely tied to identity, heritage, and community cohesion across Africa,” he said, calling for better protection of rural and indigenous communities’ land rights.
“Unfortunately, in many cases, communities especially rural and Indigenous ones, are displaced or marginalised due to inadequate or inequitable land management practices.’’
Ogunbiyi therefore, urged that in the pursuit of development, authorities should ensure that the rights of these communities were safeguarded. He added that customary land rights should be recognised and the need for inclusion of local communities in land-use planning to promote fairness and avoid conflicts.
The conference, themed “Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges of Land Administration and its Impact on Climate and Community Rights,” brought together land administration officials from across Nigeria to address these pressing issues.
Property owners seeking information about outstanding payments or the new electronic system can contact the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
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