Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved a 50% reduction in the cost of processing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other land-related documents. The move aims to make property ownership more affordable, attract investment, and encourage compliance with land documentation requirements.
The Managing Director of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Chiwetalu Nwatu, announced the development in a statement on Saturday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Nwatu, the discount will last for 45 days, beginning October 15 to November 29, 2025. During this period, landowners and investors can obtain property titles and other documents at half their usual cost. The initiative, he noted, is part of the Mbah administration’s broader efforts to improve transparency, promote inclusivity, and drive sustainable urban development.
“The governor believes every resident deserves a legitimate and secure claim to their land,” Nwatu stated. “This initiative demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment, especially for low-income earners and unregistered landowners who have long struggled with high documentation costs.”
Nwatu further explained that the state government has digitized its land processing system, allowing applications to be completed within 48 to 72 hours. This automation, he said, has eliminated bureaucratic delays, improved service delivery, and reduced corruption.
He emphasized that the policy is not just about affordability but also about enhancing compliance, curbing revenue leakages, and boosting investor confidence in the state’s property market. Residents are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the temporary window to formalize their land ownership.
The initiative is part of Enugu’s larger plan to strengthen property rights, stimulate real estate growth, and position the state as a hub for sustainable investment and urban renewal.
Earlier in February 2025, the state government also proposed a bill to regulate house rent agency and legal fees, capping them at 10% of annual rent to prevent exploitation by landlords. The bill, sponsored by Okey Mbah, aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of promoting housing reform, affordability, and economic inclusion across Enugu State.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
