The Abia State government has announced the start of a project to transform land and property, including revoking some acquisitions made by previous administrations which aims to facilitate better planning and streamline the state’s land records.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije stated this on Wednesday at the State Secretariat in Umuahia, revealing that the new initiative seeks to enhance the management and administration of the state’s land and housing system.
Mr. Chukwumerije informed journalists that the government has been recertifying all land title documents since June and urged property owners to submit their title documents to his ministry for revaluation.
He futher explained that the recertification aims to review and refresh land records, convert survey records from local to UTM standards, update payments for ground rents and taxes, revalidate allocations, and update the state’s social security number (ABSSIN).
Chukwumerije expressed disappointment that, despite the extension provided, some allottees missed the August 30, 2024 deadline, stressing that the government will not accept any title documents that are not submitted for recertification.
He stated that the ministry is currently reviewing the documents that have been submitted and has put a hold on all transactions involving titles until they are recertified.
"Allocations within government layouts will be revoked due to default on the terms and conditions, including non-development. The following layouts are immediately affected: Valley View Estate (Phases 1 and 2), Public Servants’ Layout (Cattle Lairage) at Mgbarakuma, Mgbarakuma Mini-Layout, and Mbaisii Layout", he said.
He also mentioned that the Abia State Estate Development Agency (ABSEDA) is involved in the recertification process for all its estates, particularly in Ohobo (Old Timber) Phase 1 and Phase 2 (Madonna and Ceramics). Additionally, the agency has suspended all allocations in Umuopara, Umuahia South LGA, and Nkpa, Bende LGA.
Regarding the disputed Ohobo Estate in Umuahia, which was reportedly acquired by a prominent politician around a decade ago, the Abia Commissioner stated that the state government has revoked the properties in this estate and similar ones. This action is taken in the broader interest of the state's residents.
Also Read: Abia Police Investigate Man’s Attempt To Blind His Wife
He also warned those encroaching on ABSEDA estates in Ogo-Nsukwe and Amibo Ubakala, informing them to stop immediately or face legal action.
"Some property owners in Abia displayed only one certificate, despite having been allocated two properties by previous administrations", he said
