The Abia State Government has announced the commencement of a comprehensive recertification exercise for all land title documents in the state.
The exercise, which began on May 6, 2024, aims to update and validate all existing land titles, ensuring a more efficient and accurate land administration system.
According to the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije, the recertification exercise is designed to:
*Update plot holders’ information
*Upgrade survey records to Universal Traverse Mercator (UTM) standards
*Verify payment of ground rents, taxes, and other charges
*Revalidate allocation and registration of Abia State Social Identity Number (ABSSIN)
*Recover outstanding statutory dues, ground rents, and expired building leases
The Commissioner emphasized that the exercise is a corrective measure aimed at cleaning up the state’s land records, avoiding overlaps, and ensuring a seamless land administration process.
Key Requirements are:
*Submission of title documents (Certificates of Occupancy, Letters of Assignment, Building Leases, Registered Power of Attorneys, Allocation Letters, and Building Plan Approvals)
*Payment of a processing fee of ₦50,000 (excluding titles issued after May 29, 2023)
*Online submissions and inquiries can be made via Email – [email protected] or 09160002083
*Online payment can be made via https://abiapay.com/
The submission of title documents will end on June 7, 2024. Failure to submit titles for recertification will attract a penalty fee of ₦100,000 from July 1, 2024.
Benefits:
*A more efficient and accurate land administration system
*Avoidance of overlaps and disputes
*Recovery of outstanding statutory dues and ground rents
*Enhanced security for land transactions
He however noted that there is availability for online submission and online payment which should be made via https://abiapay.com/
The steps to follow for online payment includes;
*Log into https://abiapay.com/
*Scroll down and click on “Make instant payment”
*Click on “I have my ABSSIN”
*Enter ABSSIN number
*Scroll down to “Payment Information” and click on the following
*MDA”: Ministry of Lands and Survey
*Select Item: Recertification of Statutory Titles
*Amount: #50,000
*Description: Write the name on your title document/Type of title document
*Payment Channel: Interswitch Webpay (Pick Payment option) i.Pay with Card , ii. Quick Teller , iii. Bank Transfer , iv. QR or USSD.
The submission of title document for Recertification is not complete until the completion of ABSSIN Registration – https://abiapay.com/ and the processing fee of #50,000.
The Commissioner urged all title holders to take advantage of the exercise and submit their documents within the specified time frame to avoid penalty.