The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Abuja branch has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyeson Wike to review proposed N5 million rate for issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C- of-O)

The Branch Chairman, Adebanjo Adeleke, who inaugurated a committee, to draft a position paper that would be submitted to the minister, said the pronouncement was inappropriate considering the huge difference in values of lands in different districts in the FCT.

Adeleke, who appealed to the minister to involve professional bodies like the NIESV to guide and advice him accordingly, argued that the cost of C Of O can only determined, if one carry out an evaluation of each district.

He said: “The cost COf O will be determined when one carries out an evaluation of each district. For instance, you cannot tell someone in Kuje and Maitama to pay N5 million, as 1000sqm in Kuje is between N1 million – N5 million, whereas 1000sqm in Maitama is N800 million.

“NIESV Abuja Branch is not in support of the N5 million, that is why we constituted the committee to look into that and advise the minister accordingly.”

The committee is to examine the guidelines and conditions for issuance of certificate of occupancy in housing estates within FCT as publicised by FCTA, highlights areas that are inconsistent with global best practices in land administration governance.

Also, to bring out salient areas that require reconsideration by FCTA, to propose and recommend appropriate measures that are necessary for effective land policy.

The committee chaired by Ayodele Oniemola and Lilian Ohaeto as Secretary would recommend effective land administration policy for mass housing estates and other related areas. Other members are Adamu Kasimu, Niyi Fadoju and Perpetual Ohammah.