Lagos state government has warned residents to comply with payment of their annual land use charge in order to avoid their property being sealed off by the government.

State commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, gave the warning yesterday while briefing journalist at the Baguda Kaltho press centre Alausa.

Akinkunmi also warns against the harassment of any government officials by any resident in the course of carrying out their official duties, saying that payment of Land use charge is a requirement of the law and property tax defaulters are liable to be prosecuted in court.

He explained that the land use charge was established by law number 11 in 2001 so as to have a harmonious collection of property taxes in lagos state.

According to him, property owners are expected to pay the charge annually, noting that many property owners have been defaulting in the payment of the charge in the state.

Akinkunmi said, “Payment are expected to be made within 30 days from

the date of bill delivery. Failure to do this means penalties begin to accrue from the 45th day after bill deliver and rise further afterwards. It is therefore in citizens interest to pay as soon as bills are delivered.

“Payment of Land Use Charge is a requirement of law and property tax defaulters will have their properties sealed and are liable to be prosecuted in court.”

The commissioner who warned against abuse or harassment of a government official by the residents in the course of carrying out their duties said,” The full wrath of the law will be invoked on any resident who assault a Lagos State official in this regard. If a resident suspect that a person is impersonating a Lagos State official, please report them to the office Finance, Ministry of Finance or to the police.”

Akinkunmi urged residents who have newly acquired properties to upgrade their records at the local Land Use Charge offices in the state.