Enugu State Government Slashes Land Rates by Over 60%, Abolishes Illegal Levies in Major Reform Drive

The Enugu State Government has announced far-reaching reforms in its land administration system, including a significant reduction in land-related charges and the outright ban on illegal levies, in a move aimed at easing the burden on residents, restoring public confidence, and attracting investment into the state. The reforms, unveiled under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, represent one of the most comprehensive overhauls of land governance in Enugu State in recent years.

At the centre of the policy shift is the reduction of land-related fees by between 60 and 70 per cent. The Managing Director of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Mr. Chiwetalu Nwatu, confirmed that charges such as ground rent, land use fees, and other property-related levies have been streamlined into a single Unified Land Use Charge. Property owners are now required to make just one annual payment through the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), regardless of whether their properties are located within government estates or outside them.

Governor Mbah formally announced the reforms during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting on land sector development held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly land administration framework anchored on legality, accountability, and digital innovation.

According to Prof. Onyia, land remains the foundation for housing, infrastructure development, agriculture, commerce, and private investment. He explained that since assuming office, the Mbah administration has pursued deliberate policies to modernise land governance, eliminate uncertainty, curb abuses, and restore confidence in the state’s land tenure system. He stressed that effective land administration must be guided by transparency, predictability, digitisation of records, and strict adherence to statutory processes.

A major highlight of the reforms is the immediate abolition of the controversial Ogbonecheagu fees, which have long been a source of complaints from residents and investors. These fees, often imposed by some communities and local governments, were declared illegal by the state government. Prof. Onyia disclosed that Governor Mbah has directed their outright ban and has constituted a task force to ensure strict compliance across the state.

Members of the public who are still compelled to pay such illegal charges have been encouraged to submit evidence through the state’s whistleblowing channel for prompt intervention. The government said this measure is intended to protect property owners, curb extortion, and reinforce the rule of law in land transactions.

The reforms were informed by the recommendations of a multi-stakeholder Committee on Land-Related Revenue and Administration set up by the governor to address widespread concerns about multiple taxation and revenue abuse. The committee’s findings, according to the government, highlighted the need for harmonisation, clarity, and fairness in land-related charges.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barrister Chimaobi Okorie, disclosed that the administration has introduced critical policy directions and legal instruments to support structured urban development. He noted that an executive order has declared nine of Enugu State’s seventeen local government areas as urban centres, enabling proper planning and coordinated infrastructural growth.

Barr. Okorie further explained that the enactment of the ENGIS law has created a one-stop platform for land transactions in the state. Through this system, land records have been fully harmonised and digitised, eliminating the long-standing problem of missing files and overlapping claims. He added that every plot of land in Enugu State can now be digitally tracked, significantly improving transparency and security of ownership.

Applicants seeking Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) can now apply online or visit designated offices for faster and more efficient processing. In addition, the Property Protection Law signed by Governor Mbah guarantees the safety of legitimate property ownership and enhances the bankability of land assets for investors.

In his presentation, ENGIS Managing Director, Mr. Nwatu, clarified new guidelines on building approvals. He stated that properties located in housing estates owned by the Ministry of Housing and the Housing Development Corporation must obtain approvals directly from the relevant authorities, while approvals for buildings in non-government estates within the Enugu municipal area will be handled exclusively by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA).

The Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, also noted that the newly signed Tax Law is designed to place a greater burden on the wealthy while protecting low-income earners. He urged residents to obtain their Tax Identification Numbers at no cost and comply with tax regulations to support effective development planning.

The town hall meeting drew a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, estate developers, surveyors, town planners, lawyers, community landholders, business leaders, civil society organisations, and members of the public. Many participants described the reforms as bold, progressive, and capable of positioning Enugu State as a more attractive destination for investment and sustainable urban development.