Lawmaker urges Benue to enforce property laws

David Iorhemba, former Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, wants the state government to commence the implementation of laws on property taxes to boost revenue generation.

Iorhemba, who made the appeal on Thursday in an interview with NAN in Makurdi, said the implementation of the laws would expand the revenue base of the state.

He decried the poor revenue generation from existing sources, saying it made the government to rely heavily on funds from the federation account for project execution.

He said the state was loosing huge deposits from non payment of property taxes, considering the quantum of personal property scattered all over the areas.

“Most people don’t pay ground rents on their houses and individuals own so many houses scattered all over the state.

“In Makurdi town alone, if the government were to strictly enforce payment on ground rents it will realise so much revenue.”

Iorhemba, who is eyeing the governorship seat of the state, said if he became governor, he would take an inventory of all houses and enforce payment on ground rents.

He also said he would compel companies doing business in the state to exercise their corporate social responsibilities to the host communities and the state.

The former speaker said he would create parks where vehicles owners would park and pay as means of generating income.

The lawmaker said the state had comparative advantage in areas like tourism owing to its relative peace, adding that he would create the enabling environment to boost the sector.

Culled from ynaija.com