Enugu’s Geographic Information System (GIS) aimed at enhancing the state’s land use charge collection system will begin on June 1, 2024, according to the State Internal Revenue Service.
The Board’s Executive Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, in a conference, said the GIS would bring unprecedented efficiency, transparency and accountability to the process.
He said the development signalled the migration of the state to the Geographic Information System (GIS) in the management of her property tax, also called Land Use Charge.
According to him, “GIS is a fully automated process whereby the state government will manage its Land Use Charge collection. We intend to be delivering demand notices using drones. We believe that Enugu is ripe for that kind of technology. This aligns with the governor’s plans on disruptive innovation in the state.”
Nnamani said the scheme already yielded positive results with over 800,000 properties identified in the state with 56 zones captured in the metropolis, comprising Enugu Urban, Udi, 9th Mile and Nsukka
“Every property in the state is required to pay land use charge, which is distinct from ground rent,” he said, adding that, “The amount of land use charge varies depending on the value of the land, with different categories to account for varying property values.”
THE WHISTLER gathered that the charges vary from N7,000.00 to N266,000 annually, and the payment is per plot of land.
The state revenue boss said the state government was ambitious towards generating N20bn through the GIS in maximizing revenue collection and ensuring fair and equitable taxation.
It would improve transparency in the collection of land use charges, allowing taxpayers to verify whether their payments have been appropriately processed, he said.
Nnamani added that, “Property owners will also use the same system to manage their properties. You can locate your property using the GIS System. You can also make payments of your property through it and as well check the update of your Land Use Charge.”
He said the increased transparency was expected to boost public confidence in the state’s tax collection system and promote voluntary compliance, noting that “GIS is a product of a larger ongoing digitization effort in Enugu State, as the government seeks to leverage technology to enhance service delivery and optimize revenue generation.”
“Beyond the land use charge system, the GIS will have numerous other applications, including improved urban planning and better disaster management. By mapping out all the properties in the state, the government can make informed decisions about land use, zoning, and infrastructure development, leading to a more sustainable and prosperous Enugu.” Nnamani added.
He urged property owners to cooperate with the government in the implementation of the GIS, saying it would benefit both individuals and the state as a whole.
Enugu Govt Targets N20bn Yearly As GIS Land Use Charge Begins June 1 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper