… Takes CofO sensitization tours to grassroots in Auchi, Ekpoma
BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has urged all property owners to pay their land-based taxes, also known as the Land Use Charge (LUC), warning that enforcement operations will soon commence against defaulters.
In a statement, the Director of Media at the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Dr Tunde Eigbiremolen, explained that the planned enforcement is in accordance with Section 30 of the Edo State Land Use Charge Law of 2023 (as amended).
According to him, the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to recover outstanding debts on land-based taxes, which are needed to accelerate the infrastructural development agenda of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
EDOGIS is the designated state agency responsible for the management and administration of land resources, including the collection of all land-related taxes on behalf of the state government.
The Land Use Charge, as defined by law, encompasses property tax, ground rent, and tenement rates.
The statement noted that the enforcement notice serves to notify property owners and occupants of unpaid Land Use Charges associated with properties in their possession.
“It is imperative that these charges are settled promptly to avoid further enforcement actions and penalties, as provided for in the Edo State Land Use Charge Law 2023 (as amended),” Eigbiremolen said, adding that enforcement will be executed in three phases.
These include: outright closure of affected properties, imposition of financial penalties, and legal action.
While calling on affected individuals to clear their outstanding debts within the stipulated timeframe, the agency urged defaulters to act swiftly to avoid more severe consequences.
Defaulters seeking clarification or wishing to explore payment options are advised to visit the EDOGIS office at Plot 102, Sapele Road, Benin City.
Also, as part of efforts to deepen awareness of its services at the grassroots, the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) is set to embark on a sensitization tour of Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts.
Recall that in March 2025, the Managing Director of EDOGIS, Dr Tony Ikpasaja, in a bid to extend the agency’s services to rural areas, inaugurated two new offices, one in Auchi (Edo North) and another in Ekpoma (Edo Central).
The sensitization campaign in Ekpoma will commence on Monday, July 28, 2025, and end on Tuesday, July 29, while the Auchi enlightenment programme will hold at the Town Hall, Council Secretariat, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Activities lined up include road shows and engagements with various stakeholders such as property owners, students, traditional rulers, traders, business owners, and artisans.
The primary aim of the exercise is to educate residents on the importance of paying the Land Use Charge (LUC), registering their properties with the state government through EDOGIS, and understanding the process of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO).
The outreach will also highlight the risks associated with encroaching on government layouts, the menace of land grabbing, and other related issues that threaten land ownership and security.
EDOGIS is the Edo State Government’s official agency mandated to process, register, issue, and manage all land titles, including Certificates of Occupancy, Rights of Occupancy, Customary Titles, and Consent to land transactions, in line with applicable laws.
