…as revenue Chairman sets revenue target of ₦509 billion for 2025
In exercise of his powers under the Land Use Act 1978, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday, signed Land Use Regulation 2025 as well as Executive Order No. 1, 2025, designating some areas in the state as urban areas.
By the provisions of the Executive Order, entitled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas,” the entire Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South Local Government Areas have been designated urban areas.
Likewise, the entire Udi LGA, Nkanu West LGA, Nkanu East LGA, and Nsukka LGA have been designated as urban areas.
In the same vein, parts of some LGAs have been designated urban areas. Consequently, Ndeabor Urban Area measuring 10km radius and Oduma Urban Area, measuring 20km radius both in Aninri LGA; Agwu Town measuring 25km radius, Ihe, Agbogugu, Mgbowo, Isu-Awa, Mmaku, Ituku, and Owelli-Court; Aguobuowa and Oghe in Ezeagu LGA; Ogbede, Ukehe, and Aku in Igbo-Etiti; Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North LGA; Ibagwa Aka in Igbo Eze South LGA; and Ikem and Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area have been so designated
The Executive Order equally designated urban areas Oji-River, Ugwuoba, and Inyi in Oji-River LGA; Obollo-Afor and Orba in Udenu LGA; Umulokpa and Adani in Uzo-Uwani LGA.
Meanwhile, speaking at the brief signing ceremony, Mbah said, “I have just a few minutes ago signed a Land Use Rgulation of 2025, and also an Executive Order designating certain locations of the state as urban areas.
“This is a major milestone that we have just witnessed. This is quite historic. This again is in line with what we witnessed a few weeks ago when we formally launched Enugu State Geographic Information System, ENGIS, a system that is designed to fast-track application for land titles, and indeed other administrative functions relating to land.
“So, what we have here today is going to bring clarity. As we all know, lack of transparency feeds corruption. This is really a major milestone towards our drive, not just to enhance the revenue of Enugu State, but to ensure ease of doing business where prospective applicants can easily know what their fees are and the timelines that the application will be processed.
“Therefore, with what we have done here today, there is no more hidden charges when you apply for whatever land transaction, whether it is for search, titles or indeed for whatever transactions you want to carry out relating to land in Enugu State.
“It is also going to end the era of double allocations, land grabbing, and all sorts of confusion that may have existed before now in our land management system. They have now come to an end with the signing of this regulation.
“We have also expanded areas that before now we have designated as rural areas. That means effectively that those living in those locations are now able to come forward and apply for their title document and they will be able to obtain their Certificate of Occupancy for the property and assets they have there. Again, this brings further clarity to our land management system.”
While commending his team for the good job done, the governor promised that there would be adequate public enlightenment on the processes of land transactions under the new Order, Land Use Regulation, and the Enugu Geographic Information Service.
“This regulation clearly spells out the number of days it will require for any application, whether you are conducting your search or indeed applying to obtain your title document. The number, the timelines, your fees are spelt out. So, there is absolutely no confusion. So, I thank you all for all your efforts,” he concluded.
Enugu Revenue Agency Chairman Commends Ndi Enugu for Tax Compliance
The Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESiRS), Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, has lauded the people of the state for their exemplary tax compliance in 2024, attributing the state’s developmental strides to this fruitful partnership. Speaking during a Holy Mass to start the new work year, held at the ESIRS headquarters on Tuesday, January 7, Nnamani emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the government and the citizens to achieve even greater milestones in 2025.
Nnamani expressed gratitude for the collective effort that led to significant accomplishments in various sectors last year. “The success we recorded in 2024 was largely due to the cooperation of Ndi Enugu. Your commitment to fulfilling your tax obligations has enabled us to embark on numerous transformative projects,” he stated.
He highlighted the state’s achievements, including the ongoing construction of 260 smart green schools and 260 Type 2 primary healthcare centres across state, the completion of about 90 roads, completion of the Enugu International Conference Centre, the deployment of advanced security surveillance systems, among others. “These projects underscore our shared commitment to elevating Enugu’s status. With your ongoing support, the Peter Mbah administration is determined to restore Enugu’s glory as the capital of the eastern region and drive the state to unprecedented heights,” Nnamani added.
Looking ahead, Nnamani revealed that ESiRS has set an ambitious revenue target of ₦509 billion for 2025. While acknowledging the magnitude of this goal, he expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to meet it. “This may seem daunting, but we have demonstrated our capability to exceed expectations. Our strategies for achieving this include enhanced collection of land use charges, stamp duties, taxes on rental income, and recovery of outstanding local government taxes,” he explained.
Nnamani also stressed the importance of tax audits, stating that companies that have defaulted on their tax payments will be scrutinized to ensure compliance. “We are committed to ensuring that every eligible entity contributes their fair share towards the development of our state,” he asserted.
The ESiRS chairman used the occasion to call on Ndi Enugu for even greater cooperation in 2025, emphasizing that their contributions are crucial for the successful execution of the state’s projects. “Your continued support is vital. Together, we can achieve the ambitious goals we have set and bring more development to our beloved state,” he appealed.
In his message to the ESiRS staff, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Clifford Ojukwu urged them to rededicate themselves to their duties. “Let us approach our work with renewed vigor and dedication, knowing that our efforts are integral to the progress of Enugu State,” he said.
Nnamani concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to rapid and efficient project execution. He emphasized that the ₦509 billion target is not merely a figure but a catalyst for transformative initiatives that will benefit every resident of Enugu State. “Our commitment is unwavering. With your continued support, we will bring more development and prosperity to our state,” he assured.
The ESiRS chairman’s remarks underscored the pivotal role of collaboration in driving Enugu’s progress. He expressed optimism that the partnership between the government and Ndi Enugu would continue to yield positive results, leading to a brighter future for all.
Two senior staff members echoed Nnamani’s optimism and commended his leadership. “Under his guidance, we have made remarkable progress. We are confident that with the strategies in place, we will surpass our targets for 2025,” Henrietta Amadi, Director Assessment remarked.
Another staff member Nwabueze Chukwude Director of Administration and Supply highlighted the agency’s commitment to achieving the revenue target. “The dedication of our team, combined with the support of Ndi Enugu, positions us well to meet our goals. We are determined to contribute our best efforts towards this shared vision,” they stated.