The Lagos State government on Monday decried the conversion of residential buildings into religious centres by some property owners in the state.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr. Habib Aruna, the government warned residents to desist from such act.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, who gave the warning, said those involved were trying to avoid paying the Land Use Charge, stressing that it was important for all to operate within the ambit of the law.
“Do not convert your residential premises to religious premises. Many do that for the sake of being protected from paying their Land Use Charge and that will not be tolerated. Whatever we want to do, let us keep ourselves within the ambit of the law,” he said.
Referring to those who combine their residences with mosque or church, Abdullateef said although the government would not demolish the structures, all residential premises are subject to Land Use Charge.
He, therefore, noted that when government officials go to such houses, the owners should not claim there is a mosque on the grand floor.
“Always know that as soon as your property is declared a residential block, you will pay Land Use Charge” the commissioner declared. Read more<<<<<
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