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LASG Reaffirms Commitment to Bill for Centralised Land Administration

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Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) Bill.

The bill seeks to establish a computerised and harmonised central database for land administration processes.

Dr Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, disclosed this during the LAGIS Bill Retreat held in Ikeja on Friday.

Report says that both the executive and legislative arms of government, along with other key stakeholders, expressed unanimous support for the bill.

Babatunde explained that the Lagos State Geographic Information Service would connect all the MDAs in Lagos, making use of data to streamline processes such as building approvals.

He noted that what previously took weeks or months could now be done in minutes.

“When the LAGIS Bill becomes law, we will be able to process building approvals seamlessly. What we hitherto did in 10 days, 20 days, or three months, we will be able to do in minutes.

“The Office of Physical Planning, Office of Urban Development. Office of Surveyor-General, Land Matters and Office of Land Valuation ensured that through technology, we got to where we are today,” he said.

He also encouraged residents to take advantage of the ongoing amnesty window to get approvals for their buildings.

“The Office of Physical Planning is carrying out what is called amnesty. Under the amnesty programme, we are asking those who did not have building approval to go and get the approval.

“We cannot rest as a government. Rather than lose lives and properties, we will ensure that we do not rest until we make sure that 10 per cent of those who have building approvals in Lagos grow from 10 to 20, from 20 to 30, 30 to 50, and 50 to 100,” the SA said.

Babatunde further disclosed that the bill, when passed into law, would support various developmental programmes, including tourism promotion, industrial development, and property valuation for taxation.

Similarly, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning, e-GIS and Urban Development, Mr Sylvester Ogunkelu, who represented the speaker, said that the LAGIS Bill had passed a second reading.

He assured residents that they would be the beneficiaries when the bill is passed into law.

“LAGIS Bill will enhance the processing of land certificates and ensure transparency on land processing in Lagos State.

“The bill, when it becomes law, will go through all the MDAs and the people can be in their houses to process C of O and other documents through an electronic platform,” he said.

The bill will create a comprehensive database and strengthen land administration processes in the state. (NAN)

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Rural Roads in Area Councils for Inauguration January – Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says most of the rural roads being constructed across the six area councils of the FCT are ready for inauguration in January.

Wike stated this after he inspected the ongoing construction Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and Saburi – Dei Dei road, in Abuja on Tuesday.

He recalled that the contractor executing the Saburi road had promised to deliver the project in December.

“To the glory of God, we have gone round and we have seen that the project has been completed. So also is the one in Abaji and other projects in the other area councils.

“So far, only one is about 95 per cent complete, the other ones have been completed.

“So, we believe by the grace of God, that we will be able to commission these projects this January,” he said.

The minister also assured that the contractor executing the OSEX from Apo roundabout to Ring Road II junction would hand over the project in May 2025.

He equally expressed optimism that the  ongoing construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal would be completed in September. (NAN)

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NATCOMS Rejects Alleged Tariff Hike, urges NCC to Nullify it

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The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has rejected the alleged Telecoms tariff hike and called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to nullify its approval.

NATCOMS made this known in a communiqué issued after its National Exco held an emergency meeting on the planned tariff hike of Telecommunication Services in the Country.

The communiqué signed by its National President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo and the National Secretary Bayo Omotubora, also advised operators to embrace other options of generating funds for their operations.

The duo explained that the new increment would make telecommunication Services more expensive by 40 per cent and attract 12.

5 per cent tax rate, pricing two thirds of Telecoms Services Subscribers out of its market.

“Under the new tariffs regime, a voice call will rise from N11.00 to N15.40 per minute, short message services will jump from N4.00 to N5.60.

“One GB data bundle will move from N1,000 to N1,400. This represents additional digital costs consumers will have to square up with at the beginning of a new year among other harsh economic realities of Nigeria of today.

“This is a complete negation of the statutory duty of NCC to protect the interest of Telecom Services Consumers.

“We are aware of the arguments of the Telecoms Operators that there has not been any tariff increment in a decade, multiple levies slammed on them by different tiers of Government and the dollarization costs of their equipment.

“But truth be told, there are many other avenues through which the operators can generate funds to meet their rising operational costs without putting unbearable burden on their consumers.”

NATCOMS suggested the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market, for instance, as a veritable avenue for the operators to raise funds to meet their costs requirements.

“This Association considers the decision of the NCC as very insensitive and not in the interest of Telecoms Services Consumers.

“The unrelenting rise in prices of Goods and Services in the country has made life extremely difficult for the generality of citizens who are the consumers of telecom services.

“The new increment is therefore one additional burden too many.”

NATCOMS noted that telecoms services were taxable services under the Value Added Tax Act amended in 2019, by the Finance Act, to raise the tax rate from 5 per cent to 7.5 Per cent.

“That increment brought about untold hardship to our members, many of whom have been forced to cut back on their telecommunication requirements.”

The association urged the NCC to reconsider its decision in the interest of the generality of citizens.

The NCC, when contacted for its reaction, said all issues around the tariff hike should be ignored.

The Commission also said that it would provide an official statement to the public to clarify all speculations about Telecoms tariff hike. (NAN)

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Bishop Onaga urges Leaders to Initiate Policies for Nigeria’s Progress

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The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has urged Nigerian leaders to initiate policies that will move the country forward and reduce economic hardship.

In his New Year message on Tuesday, Onaga pleaded with politicians and leaders to implement policies that will improve the lives of citizens.

He emphasised that it’s not a sign of weakness for leaders to reassess and adjust their strategies.

“If something didn’t work in 2024, it’s okay to try a new approach in 2025,” he said.

Onaga also cautioned against blaming economic woes solely on the price of the dollar.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s economy had faced challenges even when the exchange rate was more favourable.

He encouraged leaders to be more objective and work together to make 2025 a better year for Nigerians.

“We should manage the resources God has given us wisely and make sacrifices to contribute to the country’s progress,” he said.

The bishop also appealed to Nigerians to sell goods and services at reasonable prices, rather than taking advantage of customers.

He advised men and women of God to be truthful and sincere in their messages, praying for the well-being of the people and conveying hope and salvation.

“Truth-telling is what can save us, and it’s essential for building a just and righteous society,” Onaga said.

He emphasised the importance of interpreting the word of God in a way that conveys hope and strengthens the spirit. (NAN)

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