The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has announced an upcoming property assessment initiative aimed at cataloguing all properties within its jurisdiction to enhance resource allocation for the 2025 budget.
AMAC chairman Hon. Christopher Maikalangu disclosed these newsmen during a press briefing at the AMAC headquarters in Abuja, highlighting the importance of this assessment, which has not been conducted in eight years.
Represented by the Supervisory Councilor on Special Duties, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, Maikalangu emphasized that the assessment is crucial for making informed decisions about infrastructure, schools, police posts, and other public amenities.
“We intend to catalogue residential, commercial, and other types of buildings. This will guide our budgeting process and help us allocate resources effectively,” he stated.
As per AMAC bylaws, property assessments are mandated every five years.
He highlighted that the current initiative, led by Mr. Ebuka Anih and a team of certified surveyors, is not just beneficial but a legal requirement.
He urged property owners to allow surveyors access to their premises, warning that refusal could lead to legal repercussions.
“It is a criminal offense to deny access,” he cautioned, explaining that surveyors are authorized to enter properties for accurate assessment and measurement.
The assessment will encompass all 12 wards in AMAC, including Karshi, Orozo, Kado, Nyanya, City Centre, Wuse, Gwarimpa, Garki, Kabusa, Gwin, and Gwagwa.
He assured residents that the process would be conducted fairly and transparently by an external body, with published results allowing residents the opportunity to review and object if necessary. An appeal tribunal and magistrate court will also be available for dispute resolution.
Concluding his remarks, he reiterated the council’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting recent projects in roads, water, and electrification.
“This assessment will help us identify areas needing further development and ensure AMAC’s progress aligns with residents’ needs. We will have zero tolerance for harassment. No one here has any authority to harass anyone,”
Principal Partner of Ebuka Anih & Co. Estate Surveyors & Valuers, ESV Chukwuebuka Anih emphasized the significance of accurate property assessments for AMAC’s developmental planning.
He assured residents of the integrity of the surveying process and encouraged them to verify surveyors’ identification upon request.
Divisional Head of Tenement Rate & Valuation Office at AMAC, Anna Ibrahim, noted the transition from manual documentation to a fully digital approach, making the assessment process more efficient.
“This exercise will take no more than five minutes per property,” she said, calling for cooperation to ensure accurate data collection and prevent future discrepancies.
She emphasized that the council aims to leverage this initiative for comprehensive data gathering, crucial for sustainable development within the Abuja Municipal Area.
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