LAGOS GOVERNMENT SLASHES LAND USE CHARGE

The Lagos State government yesterday announced a 50 percent downward review for commercial properties and other waivers on the Land Use Charge (LUC) it introduced last month.

This followed the public outcry against the law.

Commissioner for Finance Akinyemi Ashade announced the reduction at a media briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the state capital.

He said the review of the amended LUC Law 2018, which was received with mixed feelings, followed widespread dialogue with stakeholders.

Ashade said: “Giving a breakdown of the review, the commissioner said commercial property owners would be granted 50 per cent discount.”

This means a commercial property valued at N20 million, which was earlier billed N91,200, will attract N45,600 per annum.

For properties occupied by the owner and a third party, and properties used for industrial and manufacturing purposes, a 25 per cent discount applies.

THE RATES AFTER REVIEW

•Commercial property 50%

•Owner-occupied/tenant 25%

•Purely residential 15%

•General relief 40%

•Persons above 70 10%

•PLWD above 25 years 10%

This means a N20 million property, which was expected to pay N30,720 before the review, will pay N23,040 per annum.

Also, owner-occupied properties will now enjoy 15 per cent discount; meaning that a N20 million property, which was previously charged N9,120, will now pay N7,752 per annum.

Ashade said the penalty regime for late payment of LUC had been removed, hinting that the new relief also accommodates flexible payment by instalments to reduce the burden of taxation on residents.

The commissioner said other rates and reliefs would remain unchanged and be implemented as stipulated in the law.

These include the 40 per cent general relief; 10 per cent discount for persons of 70 years and above; 10 per cent for properties owned by persons living with disability and 10 per cent for properties that are 25 years old.

Ashade said due to the new measures, those who have paid the original amount will be awarded tax credits to the extent of the excess amount paid and carried to next year.