Table of Contents

  1. Caution Against Middlemen
  2. Enforcement of Land Dues
  3. Official Services
  4. Addressing Multiple Allocations
  5. Compensation for Landowners
  6. Assurance for Landowners

The Abia State Government has warned residents to refrain from using middlemen when applying for Certificates of Occupancy to avoid being scammed.

The State has also intensified the enforcement of land dues following the conclusion of the waiver provided by Governor Alex Otti to property owners for the years 2023 and 2024.

The Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije, made this announcement in Umuahia on Thursday, urging the public to seek genuine and official services at the Ministry of Lands, rather than depending on intermediaries.

Chukwumerije, who launched the second phase of public awareness regarding the acquisition of Certificates of Occupancy within 30 days, revealed that previous administrations issued multiple certificates for the same land to different individuals, a situation that the current administration is actively working to rectify.

He also mentioned that the State government has reclaimed and regularized several public servants’ and industrial layouts that remained undeveloped after their allocations, including estates obtained during the tenure of Ukpabi Asika-led East Central State.

Regarding compensation for landowners, the Commissioner stated that the State government has provided fair compensation to owners of acquired lands across various regions of the State, despite the 1978 Land Use Act placing land control in the hands of the State.

However, he noted that efforts are ongoing to address issues for any landowner who has yet to receive compensation.

Additionally, the Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Lands and Housing, Okoroji Aji, reassured landowners in Osisioma LGA and other areas of the State that there are no intentions by the State government to forcibly acquire their lands.

Why should residents avoid using middlemen for Certificates of Occupancy?

Residents are advised to avoid middlemen to prevent being scammed during the application process for Certificates of Occupancy.

What is the current status of land dues enforcement in Abia State?

The State government has intensified the enforcement of land dues after the expiration of the waiver granted to property owners.

What steps is the government taking to rectify multiple land allocations?

The current administration is actively working to address the issue of multiple Certificates of Occupancy being issued for the same land.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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