The Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Plateau, Festus Fuanter, says the ministry has reduced the amount land owners are expected to pay for ground rent in the state by 50 per cent.
He said that ground rent is the amount paid by land owners to the government.
Fuanter told the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos that the amount paid for ground rent in the state was not a flat rate. According to him, the amount varies based on location, function and size of the land.
The commissioner said that the ministry had embarked on awareness campaigns to sensitise the public on the importance of paying ground rent to avoid prosecution.
“Having reduced the total cost for land transaction, as well as created the necessary awareness, we are expecting people to come and pay their ground rents.
“This will enable land owners get their Right of Ownership and Certificiate of Ownership.
“With the massive sensitisation and reduction in ground rent, the ministry is set to prosecute defaulters who refuse to pay their ground rent and register their land,’’ he added.
Fuanter urged private organisations, companies and an individual to pay their ground rent through the Automated Plateau Geographic Information System as it was easier and accessible.
He said that the incumbent administration in the state had commenced prompt issuance of certificates for ground rent which was stalled between 2007 and 2015.
