After suspending implementation of the Land Use Charge, Edo State government has begun processes to reintroduce the new property tax. Governor Godwin Obaseki met with stakeholders including professional and women groups, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), traditional rulers and business community in the State recently, seeking their cooperation and collaboration on the scheme.
He spoke at a stakeholders’ workshop on the state’s new Land Use Charge Law, themed: “Joint Implementation of LUC by State and Local Governments,” held in Government House, Benin City.
Obaseki said the land use charge is property tax meant for property owners, which must be paid to ensure the government continues to meet its obligation to the citizenry, saying, “The tax is not for the poor. Those that don’t have a property have no business with such a tax.”
The governor said: “There is no double taxation in Edo. This is not double taxation on property in the State. It is not much; you can pay once. Since we came in 2016, the rate of development has increased. We have built up to 1,500km of roads in Edo State.”
He stated that the citizenry could support the government in executing its projects by paying their taxes, noting that more tax revenue would boost the government’s capacity to deliver durable infrastructure.
Obaseki said: “This property tax is an important way to get revenue to continue development in the state. You can’t pay tax without earning something. Tax is like tithes in the scripture and it’s a contribution to the government. Without tax there cannot be government and development.”
The Managing Director, Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Osaro Aihie, said the LUC is a consolidation of all the land-based rates and charges payable in Edo State.
She noted that the charge is on properties like land, building, structure, noting that the new law allows the local councils to handle tenement rates, while the state is in charge of property tax and ground rent.
MEANWHILE, the State government’s investment in the housing sector has received a boost, following the certification of four real estate developers for the construction of standard and affordable housing units at Phase Two of the Emotan Garden City in Benin City, Edo.
The developers are Landsmith Constructions Limited, D Prince Builders and Estate Developers Limited, WTF Construction Limited and IVY League Limited.
Speaking at the official handing over ceremony of the site to the developers in Upper Sakponba axis of Ikpoba Okha Local Government council of the state, the Managing Director, Edo State Development Property Corporation (ESDPC), Mr. John Zedomi, said Emotan Garden City, which is the brainchild of the Godwin Obaseki administration, has transformed the housing sector, stressing that government’s investment in the sector is yielding remarkable dividends.
“As developers, you have the power to create spaces that improve lives, embrace sustainable housing practices, prioritise design and engage with the local community. Your work leaves a positive impact on both the people and the environment,” Zedomi added.
During a guided tour of the site with developers, the Managing Director explained that the second phase of the Emotan Garden City will have a central sewage system and constant power supply from Ossiomo Power Plant, as well as a police post.
Zedomi assured the developers of the state government’s commitment to speeding up work on the construction of accessible roads to the estate once the rain subsides, stressing that no part of the estate infrastructure will be left undone.
It was observed during the visit that construction workers were laying pipes for the water reticulation system, as construction work on the housing units at the phase two projects was in advanced stage.
Responding, the Managing Director of D Prince Builder and developer at the Emotan Garden City, Mr. Cyril Omoregie, commended the government for providing the infrastructure and secured environment for the real estate business to thrive in Edo State.
He noted that his firm will deliver affordable smart homes and services to the people of Edo State, appealing to those in the diaspora to take advantage of the investment opportunities at the Emotan Garden City.
In the same vein, the General Manager of Landsmith Constructions Limited, Mr. Sabbath Samson, stated that the company will replicate its standard and affordable housing units at the estate. He also commended the government for partnering with the private sector in bridging the housing deficit in the state.
On her part, the Managing Director, WTF Construction Limited, Nosa Omere, while commended ESDPC for the laudable reforms in the agency, assured that they will work within the designs and specifications, as set out by ESDPC in the Emotan Garden City Phase two project.
