The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, led by its Executive Chairman Mr Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking Geographic Information System (GIS) aimed at enhancing the state’s land use charge collection system.

Nnamani who stated this at a press conference in Enugu said the GIS which is to be launched on June 1, 2024, is poised to bring unprecedented efficiency, transparency and accountability to the process.

“This is to announce to Ndi Enugu that we are migrating to the Geographic Information System (GIS) in the management of our property tax, what we call the “Land Use Charge” Enugu state.

Remember that we have been issuing demand notices like semi automation but GIS is a fully automated process whereby the state government will manage its Land Use Charge collection.

We also intend to be delivering demand notices using drones. We believe that Enugu is ripe for that kind of technology. Our transition into GIS is June 1 2024.
This aligns with the governor’s plans on disruptive innovation in the state.”

The GIS system, according to Nnamani has already yielded impressive results, with over 800,000 properties identified in the state with 56 zones captured in the metropolis comprising Enugu Urban, Udi, 9th Mile, Nsukka, etc.

The Executive Chairman also said “every property in the state is required to pay land use charge, which is distinct from ground rent. The amount of land use charge varies depending on the value of the land, with different categories to account for varying property values. It ranges from seven thousand naira (#7,000.00) to two hundred and sixty six thousand naira (#266,000.00) annually, and the payment is per plot of land.”

“Our government’s ambitious target of generating 20 billion naira through the land use charge system highlights the importance of the GIS in maximizing revenue collection and ensuring fair and equitable taxation.”

The Executive Chairman stressed that the GIS would improve transparency in the collection of land use charges, allowing taxpayers to verify whether their payments have been appropriately processed.

“Property owners will also use the same system to manage their properties. You can locate your property using the GIS System, you can also make payments of your property through it and as well check the update of your Land Use Charge.”

According to him, this increased transparency is expected to boost public confidence in the state’s tax collection system and promote voluntary compliance.

“The GIS is a product of a larger ongoing digitization effort in Enugu State, as the government seeks to leverage technology to enhance service delivery and optimize revenue generation.

Beyond the land use charge system, the GIS will have numerous other applications, including improved urban planning and better disaster management. By mapping out all the properties in the state, the government can make informed decisions about land use, zoning, and infrastructure development, leading to a more sustainable and prosperous Enugu.” Nnamani added.

He acknowledged the potential sensitivity of the GIS project and assured stakeholders that it would be rolled out in a consultative and collaborative manner.

He emphasized the need for all property owners to cooperate with the government in the implementation of the GIS, and highlighted the benefits that it would bring to both individuals and the state as a whole.