Delta Government Announces 2-Year Jail for Unauthorised Development Fee Collectors
Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, warned that anyone found collecting development levies or fees from land developers in the state faces a two-year jail term.
In a statement released on Saturday in Asaba, Oghenesivbe emphasized that the law prohibiting such collections—whether by community development committees, associations, or leaders—remains in effect. The “Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018” mandates compliance from community leaders and residents.
Oghenesivbe highlighted complaints about exploitative practices by some community leaders, noting that these issues were evident from reports of coercive tactics and excessive fees ranging from N200,000 to over N1,000,000, depending on the construction.
He reminded that the law, passed during Governor Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’s tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly and signed into effect in 2018 by former Governor Sen. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, is being enforced. Violations, whether intentional or not, could lead to two to five years of imprisonment upon conviction.
Oghenesivbe also referenced a 2023 BBC interview with Gov. Oborevwori, who reiterated that collecting any form of levy in Delta is illegal.
“The governor said that no individual, community leader or traditional institution is permitted to collect development levies or fees from land developers, either public or private sector.
Oghenesivbe pledged that the governor will tirelessly work to deliver major infrastructure across the three senatorial districts and attract both local and foreign investors.
He urged community leaders and stakeholders to refrain from deterring investors with illegal fees and practices that the law already prohibits.
He also highlighted that the law bans forceful entry, assault on construction workers or landowners, and trespassing on construction sites without proper authorization, emphasizing that these actions must be avoided.
“Unlawful collection of foundation digging fee, building materials and other unscrupulous act or conduct by members of community development committee or association should be stopped forthwith to avoid running against subsisting state laws in force,” he said .
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