Niger State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Bar. Maurice Magaji, has said that as part of the present administration's drive to hasten its urban renewal programme, any plot of land allocated over a period of two years that is yet to be developed within the urban centres of Minna, Suleja, Bida, Kontagora, and New Bussa has three weeks to justify why they should not forfeit the land.
Speaking during an interface with the staff of the ministry yesterday in Minna, Bar. Magaji said that the ministry, in tandem with the policy thrust of the new administration, will open up new areas in urban areas for sites and services.
He said the ministry will not condone any illegal change of use of land without the explicit approval of relevant departments after payment of the necessary fees.
"Penalty, which would include the closure of business premises and complete denial of the change of use, will be applied", he emphasised.
He said the governor explicitly directed that each local government make available 10,000 hectares of land for agricultural cultivation.
The commissioner tasked the staff of the ministry to work hard to raise the revenue profile of the ministry to match the expectations of the present administration, explaining that the state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, was looking up to the ministry to contribute a substantial amount of revenue to the state coffers.
He said with proper incentives and political will, the ministry will generate the needed funds for developmental purposes in the state.
According to him, "to this end, we will give emphasis to ground rent collection. This would be done through all means possible to get compliance with the condition on the C of O issued. We would set up an enforcement wing to follow defaulters".
He said the ministry will vigorously pursue the Telecom Mast annual Temporary Right of Occupancy fees and mining fees from licenced miners and also work closely with private property developers to collect the layout approval fees.
The commissioner said that although revenue would be the goal, the new leadership would not shy away from its other regulatory functions.
The commissioner urged all staff and partners of the ministry to work towards achieving these goals, revealing that the governor has promised handsome rewards for ministries and agencies that perform exceedingly well.
He said on his part that he will ensure incentives in terms of allowances, conducive working environments, office equipment, logistics, and money realised as a percentage of generating revenues get to everyone.