LAND USE CHARGE: LAGOS TASKS LANDLORDS, TENANTS ON PROMPT PAYMENT FOR DISCOUNT

LAGOS – The Lagos State Government has urged property owners in the State to ensure prompt payment of their Land Use Charge in order to benefit from the 15% discount available for early payers and to avoid sealing of their properties.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, payment of the Land Use Charge is part of civic responsibilities of the citizens and a requirement of Law and Property Tax which is chargeable on all landed properties in the State, such as Ground Rent, Neighborhood Improvement Charge and Tenement Rate.

Ayorinde stated that prompt payment of Land Use Charge would afford the government the opportunity to execute its mandate of providing public goods and services and ensure speedy development of the State.

He explained that to achieve a seamless payment process, the government had streamlined the charge administration system, to enable payment at only designated banks listed at the back of the bills or through other payment options provided by the Government, such as the POS at Land Use Charge offices as well as M–Payment platform of the State Government.

According to the Commissioner, bills paid promptly within 15 days of receipt of notice will enjoy 15% discount, while those paid after 45 days will attract sanction.

He, however, stressed that failure to pay after the mandated period would attract penalties which may lead to the property being sealed until all outstanding payments, penalties and administrative charges are met.

Ayorinde listed the three categories of charges depending on the type of property as owner-occupier, which attracts 0.0394% charge on the property; owner-occupier and third parties of 0.132% as well as commercial and residential properties occupied by third parties at the rate of 0.394%.

He said that on no account should cash payment be made to any government official or Land Use Charge officers, but that every payment should be made directly to the State Government’s account.