…gives 30 days ultimatum

The Edo State Government has urged residents and property owners in the State on prompt payment of the land use charges associated with properties under their ownership/occupation to avoid enforcement of actions stipulated by the State Land Use Charge Law 2023 as amended.

The Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Mrs. Osaro Grace Aihie, in a notice made available to journalists in Benin City, said the enforcement action include seizure of the property, imposition of penalties and interests and institution of legal actions to recover the debt, among others.

She said the notice was in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Land Use Charge Law of 2023.

According to her, “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.”

Aihie 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”, adding that “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 further stated, “We 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,” the EdoGIS MD charged.

She also warned, “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 middle men.”