The Niger State Government has concluded arrangements to introduce the Land Use Charge for effective and efficiency land administration.
A statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Barrister Maurice Magaji, said the development was part of effort towards consolidating all property and land-based rates in conformity with the State Revenue Harmonisation Law.
According to Magaji, the Land Use Charge was not only in line with the international best practices but Revenue Harmonisation law which was passed into law aimed at improving the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for enhanced provision of social amenities.
He pointed out that the Governor Muhammad Bago led administration was poised to achieving its New Niger Agenda hence the need to harnessing revenue potentials which land was not an exception.
“Revenue have not been fairly increased at any point in time in Niger State for several years and again, we cannot depend entirely on Federal allocation and the Land Use Act saying that payment is done on ground rent.
“A system that works is a symbiotic one vis-a-vis government is giving you amenities and of course, you equally owe a certain civic responsibility to pay your taxes” the Commissioner stressed.
He further explained that the Land Use Charge will come in form of assessment of landed properties including its location, purpose and type as according to him, certain properties comprising places of worship, old people’s homes, correctional facility, Emir’s palaces, senior citizens living in private residence, among others will be exempted from the charges.
Magaji disclosed that Governor Bago had already granted approval for the upscale of the Geographical Information System (GIS) for better service delivery.
While enumerating the benefits of GIS programme to the State, the Commissioner pointed out that the exercise will help the government map out areas of interest particularly agricultural lands, generate data for planning including house numbering, among others.
He underscored the importance of application of technology in land administration, adding that the GIS when upgraded, would engender a seamless process of land acquisition thereby enhancing data, coordinates and proper management of available land across the State.
