Yakubu Busari
Plateau State Government has began the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to land owners in the State, the Honourable Commissioner, Barr. Festus Fuanter speaking during a stakeholders meeting held at the Hill station Hotel in Jos, Plateau state capital said that the consistent resolution of the Change administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong to complete all ongoing projects which have direct bearing on the lives of the people of Plateau State.
The Governor has graciously approved for the completion of the Plateau Geographic Information System (PLAGIS) which was launched on the 10th June, 2016 in order to alleviate the suffering of applicants who are desirous of land title in Plateau State but who hitherto had been denied such privileges for the past Ten (10) years.
“You would recalled that the launch of the Plateau Geographic Information System (PLAGIS) was considered as one of the high points of the change administration’s first year in office’ achievement as over 4,000 applicants whose title documents had been denied them in the last Ten (10) years were prepared and ready for issuance”.
The act of launching the PLAGIS Project was an indication of the doggedness of the Change Mantra to provide to the people of Plateau State with the opportunity of acquiring title documents in record time while also providing the state with the much needed revenue that will supplement the dwindling allocation that accrued to the state from the Federation Account.
Fuanter further reiterates that the need for the Critical Stakeholders interactive session was as a result of the lackadaisical attitude of applicants towards the collection of already processed Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) which was laying fallow at the shelves of the Ministry thereby orchestrating the urgent need to investigate what was responsible for the lack luster attitude of applicants.
It is pertinent to note that the new rates that came with the launch of the PLAGIS for processing land documents and other rates chargeable as ground rents and other charges were quite high compared to all neighbouring States who share similar economic situation with Plateau State.
Applicants have over the years lost tremendous confidence in the land administration process in Plateau State and therefore had no strong desire for same to come forward for their titles.
The attitude of some staff of the Ministry had led to a loss of confidence as there were several reported cases of sharp practices, missing files syndrome, multiple charges, unexplained delays in processes etc.
The activities of untoward land owners who indulge in multiple transactions had discouraged people from buying land thereby reducing the number of applicants.
The decision of Banks in Plateau State to accept R-of-O in place of C-of-O for facilities in their various banks have reduced considerably the number of applicants who desire to come forward and complete the process for their C-of-Os.
The continuous refusal of the elitist class as well as corporate organizations to come forward for the regularization of title documents and payments of ground rents as well as charges for related transactions have worked against the achievement of set goals as far as land administration in Plateau State is concern.
The Traditional leaders of the South ,South in Plateau state,Chief Okunonke Mike commended Governor Simon Lalong for imposing confidence on the people of Plateau and some residents.
He expressed happiness that this kind gesture will spur him to contribution to the development of the state.
Chief Mike who operate Beach Restaurant opposite Plateau Revenue Board headquarters adjacent Chief Solomon Daushep LAR resident in Jos North since 1988 said this opportunity had given his license to borrow and. Improve his business.
He said for the government of Plateau state to recognize his contribution and grant him the desire of his heart is a dream come through.
Mike advised other residents to emulate the spirit forgiveness and tolerance with one another for peace to reign in the country
