Enugu Government Slashes Land Rates by 60%, Bans Illegal Levies

Residents of Enugu State will now benefit from significantly reduced land-related taxes following sweeping reforms announced by Governor Peter Mbah on Thursday.

The government unveiled a 60% reduction in ground rent, land use charges, and other property-related levies, replacing multiple fees with a single Unified Land Use Charge, payable annually through the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).

Ending Illegal Charges and Multiple Taxation

The reforms also include an outright ban on illegal Ogbonecheagu fees previously collected by some communities and local governments. A task force has been set up to enforce compliance, while residents coerced into paying such levies are urged to report incidents via Whistleblowing@enugustate.gov.ng.

Governor Mbah, represented at a stakeholders’ townhall meeting by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasised that the reforms aim to create a transparent, investor-friendly, and digitised land administration system.

“Land is the foundation for housing, infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, and investment. Our reforms ensure legality, digitisation, and accountability in land governance,” Prof. Onyia said.

Digitisation and Modernisation of Land Processes

The state government has rolled out digital platforms for all land transactions, harmonising land records and enabling real-time tracking of every plot in the state. Applicants seeking Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) can now apply online or visit designated government offices for seamless processing.

The Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) law has also been enacted to streamline land administration, while the Property Protection Law safeguards legitimate property ownership and investors’ assets.

Barr. Chimaobi Okorie, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, noted that nine of the state’s seventeen local government areas have been declared urban zones to enable structured infrastructural development.

“These reforms are anchored on transparency, predictability, and adherence to statutory processes, ensuring public confidence and reducing abuse,” he added.

The initiatives form part of Governor Mbah’s broader economic transformation agenda, aimed at reducing cost of living pressures and creating a modern, efficient land management system in Enugu State.