By Ferdy Agu
…Says No More Hidden Charges or Confusion in Land Transactions
In a significant move aimed at streamlining land administration, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has signed the Land Use Regulation 2025 alongside Executive Order No. 1, 2025, which designates several areas in the state as urban zones. The signing took place on Thursday, marking a new chapter in land management and urban planning in the state.
The Executive Order, titled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas,” officially designates the entirety of Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South Local Government Areas (LGAs) as urban areas. Additionally, Udi, Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Nsukka LGAs have been similarly classified.
Partial urban designations have also been extended to specific parts of other LGAs. This includes Ndeabor Urban Area (10km radius) and Oduma Urban Area (20km radius) in Aninri LGA; Agwu Town (25km radius), alongside Ihe, Agbogugu, Mgbowo, Isu-Awa, Mmaku, Ituku, and Owelli-Court. In Ezeagu LGA, Aguobuowa and Oghe are now urban areas, as are Ogbede, Ukehe, and Aku in Igbo-Etiti; Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North; Ibagwa Aka in Igbo Eze South; and Ikem and Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo LGA.
Further urban designations include Oji-River, Ugwuoba, and Inyi in Oji-River LGA; Obollo-Afor and Orba in Udenu LGA; as well as Umulokpa and Adani in Uzo-Uwani LGA.
During the brief signing ceremony, Governor Mbah remarked, “Today marks a historic milestone with the signing of the Land Use Regulation 2025 and the Executive Order designating new urban areas across the state. This initiative aligns with the recent launch of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), aimed at expediting land title applications and enhancing administrative processes related to land.”
The governor emphasized the regulation’s role in promoting transparency and curbing corruption. “With this new regulation, there will be no more hidden charges or confusion in land transactions. This clarity will help streamline processes, eliminate double allocations, and end land grabbing, ensuring a seamless land management system.”
Mbah highlighted that the newly designated urban areas would enable residents to apply for land titles and obtain Certificates of Occupancy, further enhancing land management clarity. He also promised extensive public enlightenment on the new processes under the regulation, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed.
The governor concluded by commending his team for their efforts and assuring that the regulation clearly outlines application timelines and fees, leaving no room for confusion. “This regulation is a testament to our commitment to improving ease of doing business in Enugu State,” he added. GMTNewsng
