Edo Govt Set To Enforce Laws on Land Tax Defaulters
By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo State Government has called on all property owners in the state to pay their Land-based taxes, otherwise known as Land Use Charge (LUC) adding that government officials would soon go round to enforce the law on defaulters.
A statement by the Director of Media, Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Dr. Tunde Eigbiremolen, clarifies that the notice of enforcement is in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Edo State Land Use Charge (LUC) Law of 2023 as amended.
Eigbiremolen disclosed that the enforcement was in a bid to recover all outstanding indebtedness to Government regarding Land-based taxes.
He added that government needed the resources to FastTrack ongoing massive infrastructural development across the state by the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
EDOGIS is the State Government Agency saddled with the responsibility to manage and administer the land resources of the State, including the collection of all Land-based taxes on behalf of the state.
The Land Use Charge (LUC), according to the enabling law, is a land-based tax, which includes the property tax, ground rent, and the tenement rate.
According to the Agency statement, the enforcement notice was served to inform defaulters and debtors of their outstanding Land Use Charges associated with properties under their ownership/ occupation.
Eigbiremolen added; “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” noting that the proposed enforcement actions to be meted out on defaulters will be in three phases.
They include outright closure of the property, imposition of penalties and legal actions.
While urging property owners to settle their outstanding debts within the stipulated time, the statement however emphasized that in order to avoid the prescribed drastic measures being taken against them, defaulters must pay up promptly whatever they are owing to avoid further escalation of the situation.
Meanwhile, defaulters who wish to discuss payment options or seek clarification on their outstanding debts, have been advised to contact EDOGIS office at plot 102, Sapele Road in Benin, the state capital.
