The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has announced that numerous property owners with federal Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) have neglected to pay ground rent and other statutory charges for years, leading to a massive loss of revenue for the government.
He revealed that this non-compliance has cost the Federal Government trillions of naira, hindering its ability to fully leverage its land assets and generate essential funds for national development.
Speaking at the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands in federal and state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Dangiwa emphasized that the Tinubu administration is determined to put an end to this revenue leakage, as the funds are critical to fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at uplifting Nigerians.
“All Federal C of O title owners are hereby given a 60-day notice to settle all outstanding ground rent and statutory charges. Failure to make payment within this period will result in the revocation of their C of Os,” Dangiwa warned, adding that the Ministry would no longer tolerate non-compliance in payments.
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In addition, the Minister pointed out that some residents’ associations in federal estates have been obstructing ministry staff from accessing the properties for billing and enforcement.
He urged these associations to adhere to the terms of their C of Os, warning that penalties and sanctions would be applied for further violations.
Echoing Dangiwa’s sentiments, Director of Lands and Housing Development, ESV Collins Alabi, highlighted the growing complexity of land administration in the face of urban expansion, population growth, and climate change.
He stressed the importance of efficient, transparent, and inclusive land management processes to ensure sustainable development and minimize negative environmental impacts.
As the government ramps up efforts to recover owed revenues, defaulters are being urged to take swift action, or risk losing their property titles.