The Lagos State Ministry of Finance has launched “Operation Payers Activation” campaign on Land Use Charge (LUC), an initiative aimed at increasing compliance and creating public awareness on the significance of prompt payment of Land Use Charge amongst Residents and Property Owners in Lagos State.
While addressing the Media at the flag-off of the sensitization campaign and awareness on Land Use Charges on Monday at Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi said the campaign is geared towards enlightening and educating Lagos residents on the imperatives of Land Use Charge payment, fostering a sense of civic responsibility amongst the residents and improving the Revenue Generation of the State.
He emphasised that the revenue generated from the payment is used to provide social amenities like good roads, schools and hospitals in line with international best practices.
In his words “Today marks a watershed in tax generation and Land Use Charge Activation in Lagos State, we are not just laying a solid foundation but also ensuring that property owners are carried along in understanding the importance of compliance. The administration under Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has continued to make remarkable strides in transforming our State, from advancing infrastructure to improving public services, his leadership has brought significant progress that benefits all residents”.
“However, to sustain this thrust and ensure the continued development of our dear state, it is vital that we support the Lagos State Government because the contributions are vital in maintaining and expanding the infrastructural projects, which are essential for our growth and prosperity of the Centre of Excellence”, he added.
Oluyomi noted that the responses so far have not been very encouraging particularly in some parts of Lagos, stating that it will be unfair on those who have been supporting the government in discharging their civil responsibility while others, are yet to understand the significance.
He appreciated a good number of Lagosians who have been very consistent in making payments, saying “We extend our appreciation to those who are discharging their civic responsibilities promptly and we want to implore others to join the train of a #Greater Lagos by supporting this initiative to avoid any penalty as enforcement begins immediately after the campaign”, he added.
While taking the lead in the distribution of bills around Victoria Island, Oluyomi maintained that although the Y2024 Land Use Charge Bills have been served early in the year, but during the Operation Payers Activation Campaign, a reminder Notice will also be served to those who are yet to make payment. He, therefore, encouraged property owners and business entities to take advantage of the ongoing 15% discount on bills paid within 30 days of receiving their bills.
“We have over 500 of our officials who have been trained and will be working tirelessly in the distribution of Reminder Notices to those who are yet to comply, and also identify properties that are yet to be enumerated. I want to specially appeal to Lagosians to kindly avail these officials as much cooperation as possible to ensure a smooth distribution of the bills. I also want to advise those seeking more clarity on their bills to contact the Land Use Charge help desk or visit the Land Use Charge Appeal, Assessment and Tribunal for any unresolved issues”, he said.
The Commissioner emphasised that Lagos, the fourth largest Economy in Africa, is one of the most secure places in Nigeria, and that is why many individuals come to live in our dear State because it is safe and secure making Lagos one of the most populated States in the Country.
He, therefore, sought the understanding and cooperation of Lagosians, adding that the State’s consistent unequalled performance not only in the area of infrastructure but also in the provision of relief materials like the Ounje-Eko, Ilera-Eko amongst others is attributable to the State’s formidable Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He also solicited the support and understanding of Stakeholders to continue to join forces with the State Government in building a #Greater Lagos that we can be proud of.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Hon. Opeyemi Ogungbo encouraged all property owners in the state not to renege on the payment of taxes and sundry duties like Land Use Charge.
While welcoming the officials to the Launch, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Sewanu Temitope Hundogan restated that it was when Governor Sanwo-Olu came in 2019 that the penalty regime of Land Use Charge was relaxed.
“Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as a welfarist believes in making life easy for Lagosians and thus introduced a 15% discount on the Land Use Charge. I charge you, our Officials, to give your best in this exercise not only because you are working for the best State in Nigeria but also because your efforts will help the Government to deliver more tangible deliverables”.
