Wunmi Semudara
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced a cut back of about 3.5million from the initial 5million naira fee for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) for plots of land in Abuja.
The Director of Press (Office of the FCT Minister), disclosed this during the Minister’s second monthly ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
Although Wike indicated days ago that there would be a downward review of the C-of-O fee.
He maintained that this is a flat rate for all sizes of land regardless of the location of the land in the FCT.
He stated that the payment of the N3.5 million would not apply for re-certification, but only for the issuance of new certificates.
“Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy will now cost N3.5 million, a reduction from the previously proposed cost of N5 million.’’ the statement read in part.
“Those who have C-of-O don’t need to pay this money. The highest you can pay is maybe N50,000 and for corporate bodies, maybe N100,000 because you already have C-of-O. All you are doing is to recertify to incorporate these new features.’’ The minister said.
The Minister also stated that the decision to reduce the cost of C-of-O was based on the recommendations of the Task Force set up on the issuance of the certificate in mass housing estates and recovery of land use contravention fees.
