... Demand Payments on Rents, Fees


The Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning has decried the conversion of government land for commercial uses. 


The  Commissioner of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Yakubu Dati, gave the admonition while receiving the joint  Management of the National Museum and Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA) led by the Curator, Mrs Asabe Garba, the Director of Museum, AM Gimba in his office. 


He said Government cannot fold it's hands and watch land donated to Government agencies, being converted to commercial use in contravention to  purpose of grant,  "the land measuring 65 acres was donated to the Federal government in 1977 for the promotion of Museum and traditional Nigerian Architecture and resort to  commercial use must follow due process with concomitant payments relevant fees, rents and levies to the state government. The change of purpose without recourse to the donor is a contravention under the law, with grave consequences." 


According to the Commissioner, "these indiscriminate scramble and partition of our land resources not only distorts the Greater Jos masterplan, but denies government of the much needed revenue.


The Commissioner while appreciating the management of the team for responding to the 30-day notice served on the agency, said the ministry will not relent in its revenue drive as directed by Gov Simon Lalong."Since government land freely given for not-for-profit activity is now being leased out for commercial activities, government must be paid its lawful dues to enable it deliver on it's mandate" He added.


The Commissioner accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ambrose Allaburah, Surveyor General and Directors from the Ministry, alongside the management of the Museum later undertook an inspection tour of areas leased out for commercial activities.