Lagos Realises N11.5b From Governor’s Consent

The Lagos State Government has generated N11.5 billion from the issuance of governor’s consent policy on land, disclosed the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

According to him, since the inception of this administration till February 2011, 24,765 applications for governor’s consent were received out of which 8,926 were approved.

He added that between March 2010 and February, 2011, 8,913 applications were received, while N3.9 billion was realised through this process.

Okunola stated that through introduction of the 30 days governor’s consent policy, there had been increase in the number of applications processed which had enhanced the state’s revenue.

The permanent secretary also disclosed that N3.05 billion had been earmarked by the state government as compensation for individuals whose land or properties had been acquired by government for public interest.

However, Muri-Okunola is worried about the spate of purchase of government acquired land and the erection of buildings on such without approved development plans.

“In any system of government all over the world where laws and orders are supposed to be obeyed and enforced, such illegalities are dealt with and discouraged by sundry punitive measures.

“It is a common knowledge that Lagos State Government has been doing its best over the past years to ensure that slums, filth and unsightly scenery unbefitting of a mega city status of the state is discouraged and positive actions are being taken to remedy the ugly trend,” he said.

He said part of the concerted effort adopted to curb the scenario was the appointment of six companies as consultants to support the Lands Bureau in the regularisation of title to land, leading to the issuance of certificates of occupancy.

According to him, the activities of the consultants were only to use persuasive and consultative actions towards members of the public in such a way that they would appreciate the benefits of registering their titles through regularisation.

The consulting companies, according to him, are Land Records Company Limited, Dynamic Land and Property Company Limited, Habitat Concept Limited, Eko Estates Limited, Law Title International Limited and Rexjuris Partners.