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THE MYTHS AND REALITY OF THE LAND USE CHARGE

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The recently introduced Land Use Charge in Lagos State has been generating a lot of hues and cries amongst residents of the state due to the over-exaggerated view that it would further significantly aggravate the worries spawned by the current economic depression and make life more brutish and shorter.

Like all new things, there is bound to be the initial furore. Generally, man’s initial response to change is that of resistance but the perception is bound to change if with emerging facts. This is why more concerted efforts are being made to enlighten the public on the features and characteristics of the new law which is being reviewed seventeen years after it was promulgated in 2001.

Though the current incipient efforts at propagating the essence of the Land Use Charge speaks to the issue in a proactive manner by addressing the Frequently Asked Questions, more robust cross-media response is needed to further educate  skeptical Lagosians by unveiling and unclothing the myths with facts.

According to a maxim “facts are sacred, comments are free”. One of the basic facts is that the Land Use Charge is a consolidation of all property and land based rates and charges payable under Land Rates, Neighbourhood Improvement Charge and Tenement Rate Laws of Lagos State. It derives its legitimacy from the Lags State Land Use Charge Law 2018. It was well thought out as it was comprehensively debated on the floor of the State House of Assembly before it was passed into law. The responsibility for payment of the Land Use Charge resides primarily with the property owner but there is a provision in the law establishing the charge for payment to be made by the occupier who is then empowered to get reimbursement of the payment made from the property owner.

As a boon, assessment of properties for the purpose of Land Use Charge is free and Property Owners are not expected to make any payment whatsoever for the service provided by the Lagos State Government. Owners of empty plots of land will also pay. Anyone who is disatisfied with the assessment can appeal to the Assessment Appeal Tribunal. Furthermore, those who pay within 15 days of the delivery of the Demand Notice will get a discount of 15 per cent.  All property owners are expected to pay their property tax on annual basis but whoever could not afford that can pay monthly. For any two similar properties, the physical appearance, aesthetic features and age will determine the property class rate whether high, medium and low.  The categories of properties include Commercial, Industrial, Educational and Residential.

Commercial properties attract a rate 0.761 per cent of the assessed Market Value. Industrial and Educational properties are assessed at the rate of 0.255 per cent. Investment property fully occupied by tenants or third party charged at 0.761 per cent. Instalmental payments are not allowed because of the 15 per cent discount which everybody enjoys.

A promotional video on the LUC has been released and it is a veritable strategy to enlighten the populace. Amiable Governor Ambode blazed the trail by being one of the first set of citizens to pay the Land Use Charge on his property. Inspirational comedian, Gbenga  Adeyinka, who has also paid encouraged others to do the same too. An archetypal resident, an elderly man extolled the achievements of the Ambode administration opining that the LUC will augment the funds for greater infrastructural development of the state of aquatic splendor and transformation to a fully fledged mega-city. It is a thing of regret that only a fraction of Lagosians are captured in the tax net. Payment of taxes is a civic responsibility which all and sundry must imbibe to take the state to the next level of governance.

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APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition

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*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*

 

The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.

The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.

“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.

According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.

It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.

“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.

The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.

“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.

The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.

The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.

“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.

The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.

“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.

In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.

The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.

“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.

The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.

“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase

 

Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.

Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.

Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.

From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.

This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework

#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC

 

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.

 

Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.

 

Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.

 

He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.

 

The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.

 

He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.

 

Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.

 

His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.

 

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