Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state has launched a whistleblower initiative to ensure transparency in the Enugu Ministry of lands and urban development. This is coming weeks after the Governor directed the immediate suspension of all activities of the ministry.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, the Government urged the public not to make any payment to any staff which is not contained in the new approved schedule of fees. Also, “All official payments must be made into the state internally generated revenue (IGR) account that will be displayed conspicuously in all offices in the ministry”.
The statement reads:
“Sequel to the earlier directives issued by His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, on the 21st of June 2023 suspending all activities of the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development pending review of its operations, the general public is hereby informed that the suspension has been lifted and operations of the Ministry have now been re-opened.”
“The review carried out in the ministry included updates of its security documents, staffing, fees/applicable rates, and a full digitalization project still ongoing. The general public is re-assured of prompt service delivery, transparency and overall improved experience in dealings with the ministry.”
“The public is urged to note that any payment not contained in the new approved schedule of fees should not be made to any member of staff. All official payments must be made into the state internally generated revenue (IGR) account that will be displayed conspicuously in all offices in the ministry.”
“Please note that the ministry does not have agents or staff that is assigned to collect cash on its behalf for any reasons whatsoever. ‘Facilitation fees’ are also not encouraged as all transactions will be treated on first come first served basis.”
“If any of your applications do not receive attention within 5 working days, please escalate to the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Revenue to the Governor for reviews while ensuring that you have submitted all requirements for your application and made all applicable payments to the relevant account.”
“For transparency, if anyone has asked you for any facilitation fee or has requested you to pay any fees not contained on the schedule of fees in the past or going forward, please forward evidence of such to whistleblowing@Enugustate.gov.ng and it will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”
“Authorization of all Certificates of Occupancies and government allocations still reside with His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, in accordance with the law.” _ Onyia
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