Abia Begins Enforcement Of Land Title Recertification

Abia State government has commenced the enforcement of non-compliance with the government’s notice on recertification of land title documents in the state.

The commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumereije disclosed this yesterday at a news briefing in Umuahia, the state capital, urging property owners to show their evidence of compliance

“The announcement was made last May and July and anyone with any claim to any land or property, developed or not developed, was required to submit his or her title documents.

“They were expected to produce evidence of submission of the documents and up-to-date payment of ground rent and statutory fees, fencing permit and approved building plan where available,” he said.
He explained that they were also needed to submit a copy of their title document, if not already submitted, noting that the notices include all housing estates in the state.

“This enforcement notice also extends to authorised changes in the land use of a property, and as such, the purpose clause unit will also be following through on its enforcement activities.”

Chukwumereije maintained that, “Non-compliance to the notice will be deemed as evidence of nonpayment of the ground rent or nonfulfillment of the terms of the land allocation.”

According to the commissioner, failure to do so will be considered as “a basis for the revocation of Certificate of Occupancy or withdrawal of land allocation in line with extant laws.”

He said following the extensive timeline given since last year for the submission of the documents, “the property owners were expected to comply to the notice with 14 days of the announcement or face full legal action.”