Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has authorized a 50% discount on fees associated with the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other land-related documentation. This strategic move aims to foster property ownership, attract investment, and enhance compliance with land registration processes throughout the state.
The announcement was conveyed on Saturday by Chiwetalu Nwatu, Managing Director and CEO of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Nwatu explained that the fee reduction will be available for a 45-day period, commencing on October 15, 2025, and concluding on November 29, 2025. During this timeframe, landowners and prospective investors can secure land titles and related documents at half the usual cost. This initiative is part of Governor Mbah’s comprehensive reform agenda focused on promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and sustainable urban growth.
Official Statement from the Enugu Government
“The governor is committed to ensuring that every citizen has a legitimate and secure claim to their land,” Nwatu emphasized.
- “This program underscores his dedication to economic empowerment and inclusivity, especially targeting low-income groups and unregistered landholders who have historically faced financial barriers to proper documentation.”
- He further highlighted that under the current administration, the processing time for land title applications has been drastically reduced to between 48 and 72 hours, thanks to the digitization of land search and verification procedures. This technological advancement has eradicated unnecessary delays, boosting efficiency and transparency within the state’s land registry system.”
“Beyond making documentation more affordable, this policy is designed to increase compliance with land registration, prevent revenue losses, and enhance investor trust,” Nwatu added. “We encourage residents to utilize this limited opportunity to formalize their property ownership.”
The government regards this reform as a pivotal measure to reinforce property rights, stimulate the real estate sector, and establish Enugu as a hub for sustainable investment and urban revitalization.
Context and Background
In February 2025, Nairametrics reported that the Enugu State Government introduced legislation aimed at regulating house rent agencies and legal fees. The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law Cap 101 of Enugu State 2024,” proposed capping legal fees at 10% of the annual rent, addressing widespread concerns over landlord exploitation.
Sponsored by Okey Mbah, the representative for Nkanu East constituency, the bill successfully passed its first reading in the State House of Assembly. It mandates that the 10% fee cap can be negotiated downward but must never be exceeded, and tenants are prohibited from paying any additional premiums beyond the approved legal fees for securing accommodation.
This legislative effort complements Governor Mbah’s broader housing reform agenda, reinforcing his commitment to economic inclusion and making property ownership in Enugu more accessible and transparent.