General
Lagos to Slash Land Use Charge Rate
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos State Government under the Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has reversed the higher land use charge rate imposed by the previous administration of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on properties owners in 2018.
This was disclosed by Mr Rabiu Olowo, the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, at the 2020 ministerial briefing to mark the first year anniversary of the Mr Sanwo-Olu led government.
He said the present administration was working to reduce the rate to the previous levels so as to make life less cumbersome to residents of the metropolis.
“As we are aware, in 2018, there was an increase in LUC rate and at the same time, a revaluation of property; this twin-shock had a sporadic increase in LUC assessment.
“The soon to be revealed reform will among other things, reverse the rate to pre-2018 rate,” the Commissioner said.
According to him, “The reform also considered a flexible land use charge payments and efficient customer service management in other to ensure prompt issue resolution.”
Mr Akinwumi Ambode, who was governor of the state from 2015 to 2019, had announced a review of land use charge in 2018 and this increased the charge on a property solely occupied by the owner for a residential purpose to 0.076 percent per annum from 0.0394 percent.
The rate for an investment property fully occupied by tenants or third party(ies) was also increased from 0.394 percent per annum to 0.076 percent.
But due to complaints, the rate for commercial properties was later reduced by 50 percent and 25 percent for owner-occupiers.
Mr Olowo said the government hopes to keep economic activities going in the state without causing problems that will complicate the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also speaking further, the Commissioner said that in the last one year in the area of revenue optimization, an electronic tax payment platform has been deployed for tax operations and administration matters, automation of operations of Lagos Lottery Board.
He also said F.O.R.C.E (Focus On Revenue Creation Everywhere), have been instituted to monitor, review and drive innovative revenue performance whilst providing revenue assurance.
He explained that the state has been able to restructure all its existing internal loan facilities previously at the rate of 18 percent – 20 percent to 14 percent, explaining that this has increased cash flows, adding that the state achieved 106 percent performance in the first-quarter revenue as against the state’s 2020 budget.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged N800 billion campaign fund diversion.
The organisation is seeking to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about N800 million from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations was diverted by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to finance political and campaign activities.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, but no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the claims that the governors channelled public funds into a dedicated campaign account allegedly meant to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The organisation is also requesting an order compelling INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC on any contributions made to such a campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
In addition, SERAP wants the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding campaign financing and the sources of political donations.
According to SERAP, the allegations raise fundamental concerns about transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in democratic governance.
The organisation argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major avenue for corruption and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
It maintained that the alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
In the suit filed by its lawyers, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP argued that the reported diversion of public resources for campaign activities warrants immediate action by INEC under its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The group stated: “The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.”
SERAP further argued: “The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”
The organisation said large-scale public financial allocations, combined with weak oversight and limited transparency, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its investigative powers.
Referring to Section 91 of the Electoral Act, SERAP noted that the law empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce contribution limits, demand disclosure of funding sources and impose sanctions where violations occur.
The organisation explained that political parties found to have exceeded donation limits risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed prescribed limits are liable to penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.
SERAP also contended that campaign financing derived from public resources distorts electoral competition and violates constitutional principles guaranteeing free, fair and transparent elections.
According to SERAP, INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure compliance with campaign finance regulations and to investigate allegations that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the deadline for political parties to submit the names and credentials of candidates seeking to contest the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral body announced that parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, to complete the process, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.
Under INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general election, political parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the initial cut-off date.
Explaining the decision, INEC said the extension followed appeals from political parties that had encountered difficulties meeting the deadline.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the request was formally conveyed through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
According to him, IPAC sought additional time on behalf of parties that were yet to complete the submission of their candidates’ details through the commission’s portal.
“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” Mr Haruna stated.
INEC noted that the extension is intended to give all eligible parties a fair opportunity to comply with the requirements of the electoral process while remaining within the framework of the law.
The commission also urged political parties to utilise the extra period to finalise and upload all required information ahead of the revised deadline.
“The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
