Enugu State Governor Cuts C of O and Land Documentation Fees by 50% to Boost Property Ownership
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved a 50% reduction in the cost of obtaining Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other land-related documents. The move, announced by the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), aims to encourage land documentation, attract investment, and promote inclusive property ownership across the state.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENGIS, Chiwetalu Nwatu, stated that the discount, effective from 15 October to 29 November 2025, offers landowners and investors a 45-day window to regularize their property titles at half the regular cost. According to Nwatu, the initiative supports Governor Mbah’s reform agenda to enhance transparency, improve the ease of doing business, and advance sustainable urban development.
“The governor believes every resident deserves a legitimate and secure claim to their land,” Nwatu said, noting that the reduction particularly benefits low-income earners and informal property owners who have long struggled with documentation costs.
Streamlining Land Administration
Nwatu explained that the Mbah administration has prioritized efficiency in land management through the digitization of search and verification processes. Land title applications, he said, are now processed within 48 to 72 hours, a marked improvement driven by the adoption of technology.
“Beyond affordability, this policy aims to boost land documentation compliance, curb revenue leakages, and strengthen investor confidence,” he added, urging residents to take advantage of the limited-time incentive.
The state government views the reform as essential to improving property rights and creating an enabling environment for real estate growth. It also supports Enugu’s vision of becoming a competitive destination for sustainable investment and urban renewal.
Earlier in February 2025, the Enugu State Government introduced a bill to regulate agency and legal fees in the rental market. The proposed legislation titled “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law Cap 101 of Enugu State 2024” seeks to cap agency and legal fees at 10% of the annual rent, addressing complaints of excessive charges by landlords and agents.
The bill, sponsored by Okey Mbah, Member representing Nkanu East Constituency, forms part of the broader effort by the Mbah administration to promote affordability, fairness, and access to decent housing.
Conclusion
With the latest 50% reduction in land documentation fees, Enugu State continues to position itself as a reform-driven hub for real estate and investment. By integrating technology, reducing costs, and strengthening legal frameworks, the government aims to make property ownership more accessible and transparent, setting a model for other subnational governments in Nigeria.
