Abia State government has reduced the processing period for certificate of occupancy (C-of-O) in the state to a maximum of 30 days.
The commissioner for lands and housing, Chaka Chukwumerije stated this at an interactive session with members of Aba Landlords Development and Protection Agency in Aba.
Represented by the director of tax in the ministry, Inyama Orji, he said the reduction is aimed at ensuring easy and quick processing of the certificate.
He explained that the certificate is the only document that will guarantee compensation for a property in case of its acquisition or demolition by the government.
While emphasising the importance of the certificate, he appealed to both prospective and property owners in the state to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Responding on behalf of the members, Alphonsus Udeigbu, said the session had cleared most of the issues agitating their minds over their property.
He reminded the commissioner that as law-abiding citizens, they had been up to date in paying their taxes and other revenues accruing to the government.
