FG Issues Ultimatun to Defaulters on Ground Rent Payment * Threatens revocation of CofOs  * Ratifies new rates regime for crops, economic trees compensation  *  Land Revenue vital to delivery of Renewed Hope Agenda - Dangiwa    The Federal Government has given a 60-day notice to owners of it's Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) to comply with the payment of ground rent as well as statutory charges or risk having their CofOs revoked.    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa sounded this warning in a keynote address at the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands in the Federal and States' Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024    The theme for the 29th conference is “Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges  of Land Administration and it's Impact on Climate Change  and Community Rights"   The Minister decried the failure of owners of titled properties to pay ground rent and other statutory charges to the Ministry for several years now, saying that such acts hampers the ability of the government to maximize the revenue earning potential of its landed assets.   “This non-compliance has resulted in the loss of trillions of naira in revenue to the Federal Government. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed, Tinubu, this cannot be tolerated as this revenue is much needed to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians”, he added.   In addition, Dangiwa also warned that the refusal of some residents association of Federal Government landed properties to allow staff of the Ministry access to their various estates for billing purposes and enforcement of non-payments as outlined in their respective C of Os, would attract appropriate penalties and sanctions going further.   While admitting that the level of land administration was still in a state of emergency with issues such as the obsolete Land Use Act of 1978, lengthy, expensive, and complicated land titling and registration processes, limited access to land information, Conflicting land laws and policies, lack of formal land titles, among others, Dangiwa stated that Ministry has prioritized land governance issues and taken significant steps to make a difference.   Accordingly,  the minister outlined some of the steps such as the establishment of a new regime of revised rates for crops and economic trees that is fair, equitable, and provides adequate compensation to persons affected by government projects, formulation of Land Reforms Task Team to critically review, audit, and develop approaches to operationalize the Land Use Act.   In addition to this, he revealed that the Land Reform task force has prepared a preliminary report that highlights the need for the establishment of a National Land Commission as the launch point for implementing the Land Use Act and ensuring the synchronization of state land registries.   Other steps taken are the upscaling of the Electronic Certificate of Occupancy (e-C of O) and Land Titling System that incorporates a web-based Advanced Workflow System (WNABS) and an Electronic Documentation Management System (EDMS) for all federal government-owned lands in the 36 states of the country;    To this effect, the Minister gladly announced an award of ‘Best MDA in Innovative Technology’ for 2024 given to the Ministry by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, in recognition of the Ministry’s efforts to leverage technology for improved land management. Accordingly, he highlighted the Ministry’s partnership with the World Bank to implement the Land and Urban Development component of the Nigeria-Urban Livability and Mobility Programme which aims to enhance the design and implementation of development policies and programs in selected Nigerian cities, as well as foster greater livability, competitiveness, and resilience.   In contribution to this partnership, Arc. Dangiwa noted the Ministry’s effort by organizing a national workshop on ‘Nigeria Livable Cities’ which brought together representatives from the national government and state commissioners of housing, land, and urban development from ten selected cities: Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Rivers, Edo, Anambra, Abia, Kaduna, Plateau, and Borno.   The Minister also reiterated an upcoming groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to address over 90% of unregistered land in the country with an estimated $300 billion in dead capital.   He stated some of the achievements which which the partnership aims at to include registration, documentation and titling of all land parcels within five years, increasing the formalization of land transactions, development and launch a National Digital Land Information System (NDLIS); among others. Dangiwa further charged the Directors of Land in various States as well as Heads of Housing Development Institutions, and regulatory bodies to play their respective roles in order to implement solutions to the issues hampering effective land administration and governance.   Earlier in his Address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi expressed excitement in the theme of the Conference, in the sense that as it speaks to some of the most pressing issues of land administration, climate change, and the protection of community rights, facing the Nation, the continent and the world at large.   While noting that Land is a fundamental resource for development and provides the basis for Agriculture, Housing, industry and Infrastructures, He emphasized on the need for collaboration between Federal and State Agencies, Local Communities and International Partners, in order to design land administration frameworks that will promote equity, sustainability and resilience, as well as promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.   Ogunbiyi conveyed his confidence that the insights shared at the conference would contribute to the development of robust policies that advance equitable land stewardship across Nigeria and the African continent.   Also in his welcome address, the Director of the Department of Lands and Housing Development, Mr. Collin’s Alabi Esv, noted that stewardship of land, which is one of most precious resources, required careful management and equitable distribution.   “As we face rising pressures from urban expansion, population growth, and the effects of climate change, it becomes crucial that land administration processes are efficient, transparent, and inclusive”, he stated.   He disclosed that discussions at the conference would explore ways to balance the pressures from urban expansion, population growth, and the effects of climate change.   Mr. Alabi further encouraged the participants to actively engage in the sessions, share their experiences, and collaborate towards the development of solutions that will shape the future of Land Administration for generations to come.   ...

FG BEGINS REVIEW OF COMPENSATION RATES FOR CROPS, ECONOMIC TREES * fair and adequate compensation, a moral duty not mere legal obligation - Dangiwa  * President Tinubu has shown political will to implement reforms - Dangiwa Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has revealed that the Federal Government is on the verge of introducing revised compensation rates for individuals affected during land acquisitions for public projects, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to critical land reforms towards effective land administration in the country.   Dangiwa spoke at the 2024 National Technical Development Forum on Land Administration focusing on the Review of Compensation Rates on Crops and Economic Trees for Project-Affected Persons in Nigeria, Monday 21st October 2024   The Minister noted that a review of the current compensation rates has become important for the purpose of ensuring project-affected individuals get fair value for their sacrifice.   In addition,  he underscored the critical value of crops and economic trees such as cocoa, palm, kola nut, mango, and cashew trees, among others, stating that they are not just sources of income, but multi-generational assets that represent years, even decades, of labor and hope.   "These trees are also tied to cultural and social identities. When displaced or destroyed in the course of land acquisition for public projects, the loss can be devastating, not only financially but emotionally. That is why it is essential to ensure that compensation rates reflect the true value of these assets, considering both their immediate and long-term economic importance," he said.   Explaining further,  he said the review is a priority of the current administration and a central focus of effective land administration.    "The Land Use Act of 1978 stipulates that the government has the right to acquire land for public purposes. But it also provides the framework for fair compensation when public land acquisition affects livelihoods. However, the reality on the ground often reflects delays, disputes, and inadequate compensation that fails to account for the true value of agricultural investments" he stated   The Minister also said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, believed that adequate compensation for crops and economic trees is not just a legal obligation; but a moral one.   Accordingly, he emphasised the importance of an effective land administration system, considering its importance for agriculture, industry, housing and urban development and its pivotal place as a lifeline for millions of Nigerians, pointing out that what the country has lacked for decades is effective land administration, and not a lack of land.   "It is important to note that as a country, we are blessed with vast land covering about 923,769 square kilometers. We do not have a shortage of land. What we lack is effective administration and management of this massive resource that providence has bestowed on us. And until we can do so, we may not be able to unlock its potential and to develop at the pace that we need to" he stated   Dangiwa, further noted that, Nigeria, unfortunately, for decades has been battling with issues such as security of land tenor, title and legal rights of possession, frictions in land transactions, coexistence of different categories of land rights (Native Rights, Customary Rights of Occupancy, and Statutory Rights of Occupancy…   Accordingly, he explained thet the Land Use Act was intended to harmonize these laws, which it's implementation has been inconsistent, largely due to the absence of comprehensive guidelines. This,  he said  has left gaps in the uniform application of the Act, which 'we are now determined to address'   While acknowledging the efforts of the National Technical Development Forum on Land Administration since its establishment in 2006, he stressed that a lack of political will to implement the great ideas and solutions of the past has rendered its efforts of no significant impact on Nigerians.   "Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in land administration. To achieve this, we are bringing a new sense of urgency, political commitment, and determination. Fortunately, we now have a president who not only possesses the political will but also the determination to see these solutions implemented" Dangiwa remarked   In addition, the Minister also disclosed that he was pleased, coming on board to reviewed the NTDF’s Terms of Reference and see that they align closely with the goals of  Renewed Hope Agenda for streamlining land administration.   " There is still a lot more that the NTDF can do to achieve its objectives, starting with aiming to achieve a 70% score in its delivery of the aims and objectives of its founders.   In his remark,  Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by the Head, Public Private Partnership (PPP), Arc Abimbola Asei said the forum has been organised to validate the submissions and data gathered from field  work by the World Bank Consultant.   Dr Ogunbiyi emphasized, " the review rates to be adopted should reflect current market realities and incorporate inflation rates, changes in agricultural yields, cost of agricultural inputs to ensure that Project Affected Person receive compensation that mirrors the true value of their loss "   He also maintained that the rates should reflect future economic potential of crops and economic tree,  and the unique agricultural conditions, adding market realities of each geo-political zones must also be considered.   The Permanent Secretary also reiterated the ministry's commitment in ensuring that compensation of crops and economic trees is fair, transparent, and reflective of current realities.   Ogunbiyi further charged delegates with the adoption of "a human - centered approach that prioritize the well-being of the  communities affected by public project."   Also speaking, Senior Social Development Assistant, World Bank Group, Dr Michael Ilesanmi noted that the Forum and the new direction it is taking is a key step in strengthening Nigeria's capacity for environmental and social management, as well as the processes for land acquisition, resettlement and compensation.   The Chairman of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), ESV Asiwaju Dosu Fatokun, hailed the commitment of the Minister and his team in driving the reforms, especially towards ensuring fair compensation for project-affected individuals and increased access to land for Developmental projects.   Director of the Department of Lands and Housing Development at the Ministry, ESV Collins Alabi expressed his excitement at the momentum with which the current land reforms are taking place, noting that the revision of the compensation rates is an integral component of the overall reforms being driven by the ministry   He thanked the minister for the support and innovation accorded the department since coming on board, noting that the next few months and years will unveil the fruits of all that has been done in recent time. ...

FG's Urban Development Agenda, A Necessesity for Wellbeing of Future Genenerations - Minister Gwarzo   ** Says, sector policy initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deliberate for collective good.   Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo has stated that the integrated urban development agenda under the housing and urban development sector was intended to provide positive transformation of urban landscafe at all levels, thereby securing the future for Nigerians.   Minister Gwarzo stated this in his closing address of the 2024 National Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations in Nigeria held at Dejavu Hotels abd Suites, Akure, Ondo State.   The address of the Minister was read on his behalf by Director Urban and Regional Development of the Ministry, Tpl Dr Olakunde Akionola David.   " It is imperative that we continue to prioritise sustainable development in all our planning and implementation efforts .... sustainable development is not just a goal, rather it is a necessity for the wellbeing of our current and future generations " Gwarzo stated   The theme for the 2024 conference is 'Effective Physical Planning as a Panacea for Integrated and Sustainable Urban Development in Nigeria "   Gwarzo who described the conference a valuable opportunity to catalogue the honest efforts of the current administration towards repositioning Nigeria's housing and urban development sector, commended the dutiful and indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the massive strides in pointedly addressing issues of housing and sustainable development.   Accordingly, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the many sector players at the states' governments level doing quite alot, saying what is remaining is to integrate and galvanize the individual efforts into a single and indivisible whole.   " By integrating sustainable practices, we can create urban environments that are resilient, inclusive and capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation " he concluded   The Minister called on the participants to have a common focus on creating green spaces, promoting energy efficient buildings and ensuring that urban planning processes are environmentally friendly, pointing out that sustainable development will not only enhance the quality of life for citizens but also position Nigeria as one of the leaders in Innovative and responsible urban development.   Ondo State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Bunmi Alade and Professor Albert Abegunde, a member of National Institute of Town Planners (NIPL), and Lecturer in University of Ife, attended the closing ceremony.   The three days conference was attended by 197 Participants from 31 States of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).   ...