Land developers in Edo seek intervention over illegal levies

BENIN CITY – Property developers operating in Benin City and its environs have raised fresh concerns over what they described as the resurgence of illegal activities by some community leaders and Community Development Associations (CDAs), alleging that developers are being subjected to multiple levies, intimidation and other demands before they can commence or continue construction work.

According to one developer, who requested anonymity, the demands are made at different stages of a project, ranging from land acquisition and mobilisation to the commencement of construction.

“We are not against community development or legitimate government charges. What we are asking for is clarity. A developer should know exactly what he is required by law to pay, to whom, and for what purpose. When different individuals or groups impose levies at different stages of a project, it becomes difficult to plan and invest with confidence.”

Another developer, who has projects on the outskirts of Benin City, said the situation could discourage investors and worsen the housing deficit if left unchecked.

“Developers invest huge amounts of money before a building is completed. If, after obtaining the necessary documents and approvals, people still come to the site demanding one levy or another, it increases the cost of housing and creates unnecessary tension between developers and host communities.”

and community groups from exploiting the name and institution of the Benin Kingdom to impose unauthorized charges on property developers.

They also urged Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to strengthen enforcement of the state’s private-property protection framework to ensure that the resurgence of undue extortion of land developers in the state, particularly within the Benin Kingdom, is checked.

The developers therefore appealed to the Oba of Benin to use his traditional authority to discourage individuals and community groups from exploiting the name and institution of the Benin Kingdom to impose unauthorized charges on property developers.

They also urged Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to strengthen enforcement of the state’s private-property protection framework to ensure that the resurgence of undue extortion of land developers in the state, particularly within the Benin Kingdom, is checked.