Gov Ambode bows to pressure, slashes land use charge

The Lagos State government on Thursday bowed to pressure and cut all levies for its new Land Use Charge (LUC) that was greeted with public outcry.
Governor Akinwunmia��s action came two days after the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) marched against the new law, with its chairman, Mr Adeshina Ogunlana, describing the protest as a clear no to oppressive tax regime in the state.
The Committee for Defence of Human Rights, Joint Action Front and the Human and Environmental Agenda joined the protest in solidarity with the lawyers.
The NBA submitted a letter to Ambode dated March 12 and titled: a�?Call for a Re-think and Review of The Land Use Charge Tax, All Other Excessive Taxes, Levies and Charges in Lagos State.a�?
Earlier, several groups, such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had kicked against the new land use charge.
The state government yielded to their demands on Thursday and cut commercial charges by 50 per cent, owner-occupier with third party, including industries and manufacturing concerns by 25 per cent.
It also waived the penalty for late payments across board and tax credits for LUC charges already paid, and introduced Instalmental Payment System.
Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, the state Commissioner for Finance and Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, announced the governmenta��s new position in Alausa.
He told journalists that the review was in line with the desire of government to build infrastructure and improve the well-being of its citizens. (NAN)