The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has warned individuals and groups against the unauthorized collection of development levies on land transactions across the state.
The government emphasised that the ministry remains the only authorised agency responsible for collecting such levies, warning that anyone engaging in illegal collections is acting in violation of the law.
The clarification was made during a peace meeting held at the office of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the meeting was convened to address lingering disagreements between the Oba community in Idemili North Local Government Area and property developers.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner disclosed that he had received several complaints concerning the alleged harassment of property developers and the indiscriminate collection of levies during land transactions.
He appealed to all parties, particularly members of the Oba community, to embrace peace and work towards lasting solutions to their differences. He noted that a peaceful environment would encourage development and attract investors capable of contributing to the community’s growth.
Barr. Ojukwu further stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding, describing them as essential to building investors’ confidence and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.
He also cautioned that the unauthorised collection of levies on land transactions constitutes an offence under the state’s Physical Planning Law.
The Commissioner noted that the law had been in existence for over 15 years and urged residents to familiarize themselves with its provisions to avoid violating its requirements.
