The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced that all property owners in Abuja will be required to recertify their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) to include new security features. This move is part of an effort to improve security and revenue generation in the FCT.
Wike stated that this recertification process will involve the incorporation of either an individual’s National Identification Number (NIN) or a corporate body’s Bank Verification Number (BVN). He emphasized that this process will not require any additional payments for individuals, with the maximum cost being N50,000. For corporate bodies, the maximum cost will be N100,000.
According to Wike, this recertification process will enhance security by enabling the identification of multiple property owners, ensuring that they pay their taxes accordingly. He also clarified that the proposed N5 million fee for C-of-Os is separate from the annual ground rent.
He explained that the N5 million fee is not based on the size of the property but rather on the land itself. The annual ground rent, on the other hand, is based on the size of the property.
The recertification process is expected to commence soon, and further details will be provided in due course.
