Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has lifted the ban on operations of the State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.
This was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The governor had on June 21, banned the State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development from issuing Certificates of Occupancy, Deeds and other lands except the one duly signed by him.
Onyia said, “Sequel to the earlier directives issued by His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, on June 21, suspending all activities of the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development pending review of its operations.
“The general public is hereby informed that the suspension has been lifted and operations of the Ministry have now been re-opened.”
The SSG said the review carried out in the ministry included updates of its security documents, staffing, fees/applicable rates, and a full digitalisation project that was still ongoing.
According to him: “The general public is re-assured of prompt service delivery, transparency and overall improved experience in dealings with the ministry.
“The public is urged to note that any payment not contained in the new approved schedule of fees should not be made to any member of staff.
“All official payments must be made into the state internally generated revenue (IGR) account that will be displayed conspicuously in all offices in the ministry.”
Onyia further noted that the ministry does not have agents or staff assigned to collect cash on its behalf for any reasons whatsoever.
He added that facilitation fees were also not encouraged as all transactions would be treated on first come first served basis.
“If any of your applications do not receive attention within five working days, please escalate to the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Revenue to the Governor for reviews.
“While ensuring that you have submitted all requirements for your application and made all applicable payments to the relevant account.
“If anyone has asked you for any facilitation fee or has requested you to pay any fees not contained on the schedule of fees in the past or going forward, please forward evidence of such to whistleblowing@Enugustate.gov.ng and it will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Onyia said.
The SSG further said that authorisation of all Certificates of Occupancies and government allocations still reside with the Governor of Enugu State, in accordance with the law.
