ASHENEWS reports that in a shocking turn of events, the Niger state government has revoked the Certificates of Occupancies (CofO) of 650 companies, residential houses, banks, schools, churches, and commercial organizations.
This decision, according to the state Government, comes as a consequence of substantial non-compliance with the conditions of payment of ground rent and development.
The list of organizations affected by this revocation is extensive and includes big names such as the Coca-Cola Nigeria Bottling company Limited, Matrix energy oil and gas, Anglican Diocese of Minna, Sudan Institute for Islamic and General Studies, Peace Mass Transit, and several prominent banks.
The announcement of this drastic measure was made through an advert in some national dailies placed by the Niger state Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Barrister Maurice Bello Magaji.
The advert has the headline, “Notice of revocation of Certificate of Occupancies for non-payment of ground rent and/or development in Niger state.”
Before listing the names of the affected organizations and individuals, the advert read, “Under section 9(3) of the Land Use Act, which grants the Governor the power to act, and due to the significant non-compliance with the conditions of payment of ground rent and/or development within the stipulated time, the Niger State Ministry of Lands and Survey, Minna, has conveyed the approval of the Governor for the revocation of the aforementioned Certificates of Occupancies.”
The advertisement shed light on the staggering amounts owed by some of the affected organizations.
PZ Nigeria Limited tops the list, owing a staggering N3,350,000 in ground rent. Other organizations with significant outstanding amounts include Alhaji Sani Karaye with a ground rent of N2,190,000, Al-imran Ind Ltd with a ground rent of N1,770,940, Union Bank, and Niger state Housing Cooperation each owing N1,725,000.
The effect of this revocation stretches well beyond commercial organizations. Banks like Jaiz, GTB, UBA, Zenith, First Bank, and Union Bank have all been hit.
Additionally, institutions such as the Federal Medical Center Bida, Teachers Social Security Scheme (Endwell), and Abuja Steel Mills have not been spared. Even farmlands did not escaped the government’s reach.
What is truly alarming is that some of the billed organizations and residential houses have outstanding debts dating back as far as 1992.
The affected areas span major cities in Niger state, including Minna, Suleja, Bida, Kontagora, New Bussa, and Mokwa.
As the implications of this revocation reverberate throughout the state, it remains to be seen how the affected organizations will respond.
Will they be able to rectify the non-payment of ground rent and development in time to regain their Certificates of Occupancies? Or will they face dire consequences that could potentially cripple their operations?
The ball is now in their court, and only time will tell how this unprecedented move by the Niger state government will play out.
