Group kicks against proposed introduction of Land Use Charge in Ondo State

The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Ondo State Chapter, has cautioned Governor Rotimi Akeredolu against the introduction of payment of Land Use Charge in the state.

The caution was handed down in Akure on Monday at a press briefing addressed by the Chairman of APBN, Gboyega Akerele. He said the proposed Land Use Charge by Ondo State Government would not in any way benefit the people.

He spoke while addressing the media on APBN forthcoming retreat which will hold in Akure from Wednesday with the theme, “Repositioning the APBN: Strategies for Collaboration of Professional Bodies.”

He added that introduction of Land Use Charge would further impoverish the people who are battling to survive the current unfavorable economic situation.

Akerele also advised the state government to meet with stakeholders of the state, including business owners, land and house owners and other professional bodies before the introduction of the levy.

It will be recalled that the Ondo State Government through the Commissioner for Information recently revealed that the administration would soon introduce payment of Land Use Charge to help boost its internally generated revenue in the state.

There have been protests in Lagos over the increase in Land Use Charge being paid by residents by the Akinwunmi Ambode administration by about 400 per cent.

Though government announced a reduction last week, many stakeholders have been insisting that the review is merely cosmetic.