Property owners in Edo State have been advised to pay their land-based taxes, otherwise known as Land Use Charge (LUC) to avoid severe consequences of being caught in the breach.
An appeal to this effect was contained in statement on Wednesday by the Director of Media, Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Dr. Tunde Eigbiremolen.
Giving the notice of enforcement which the agency stated was in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Edo State Land Use Charge (LUC) Law of 2023 as amended, Eigbiremolen said government officials would soon begin to go round to enforce the law in a bid to recover all outstanding indebtedness to government as the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration needed the resources to fast-track ongoing massive infrastructure development across the state.
EdoGIS is an agency of the state government charged with the responsibility of managing and administering the land resources of the state, including the collection of all Land-based taxes, which includes the property tax, ground rent, and the tenement rate, on behalf of the state government.
The agency explained that the enforcement notice was served to inform defaulters and debtors of their outstanding Land Use Charges associated with properties under their ownership/ occupation.
While emphasising that “It is imperative that these charges are settled promptly to avoid further enforcement actions and penalties as stipulated by the Edo State Land Use Charge Law 2023 as amended”, Eigbiremolen stated that the proposed enforcement sanctions to be meted out on defaulters would be in three phases. These, he said, include outright closure of the property, imposition of penalties and legal actions.
The agency therefore urged property owners to promptly settle their outstanding debts within the stipulated time to avoid these drastic measures being taken against them thereby further escalating the situation.
Defaulters who wish to discuss payment options or seek clarification on their outstanding debts, have however been advised to contact EdoGIS office at plot 102, Sapele Road in Benin, the state capital.