Peter Mbah infrastructure levy sparks outrage as Enugu retirees and landlords face eviction over an N8m fee many say exceeds their property value

Peter Mbah infrastructure levy has triggered widespread anger among retirees and landlords in Olympic Layout, Enugu, after residents received eviction threats for failing to pay what they described as an “inhuman” N8 million charge.

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Since April, homeowners have been locked in a tense standoff with the Enugu State Government over the newly enforced policy, which mandates residents to pay N10,000 per square metre as an infrastructure fee and an additional N4,000 per square metre for a Certificate of Occupancy.

For a standard 540-square-metre plot, the total bill amounts to about N8 million — a figure residents say exceeds the current market value of most properties in the area.

The chairman of Olympic Layout, George Agusi, said the move was unfair, particularly to retirees who had used their life savings to buy land years ago.

“We are not against government levies, but they should be humane,” he said. “How do you expect a pensioner or widow to raise N8 million just to keep land they already own? This is like repurchasing our property.”

Agusi lamented that most plots in Olympic Layout sell for less than N7 million, making the levy economically unrealistic. “It’s absurd to pay more for a levy than your land is worth,” he added.

A visit to the area showed visible neglect, with poorly maintained access roads and unfinished buildings — conditions that contradict the government’s claim of investing in infrastructure.

Another resident, Ede Ezekiel, highlighted long-standing land disputes between the original landowners and neighbouring communities, saying the new policy only worsened tensions.

“I retired in 2021, and my gratuity has not been paid. I built a small house with my savings to avoid being a tenant, but now I’m told to pay N8 million or lose it,” said Innocent Ekwu, another landlord.

“We’re appealing for the levy to be reduced to at least N1 million, with flexible payment terms.”

Defending the decision, the Enugu State Geographic Information System Services (ENGIS) described the fee as part of a “regularisation process” to integrate the area into the state’s masterplan.

ENGIS Executive Director, Mr Chiwetalu Nwatu, wrote that Olympic Layout is classified as Crown Land, legally owned by the state.

“The compulsory infrastructural development fee is vital to cover the costs of basic infrastructure. It’s not a penalty but a contribution to improving living standards,” he stated.

He added that the government had extended the payment deadline for the initial 30 per cent instalment from June 15 to July 14, 2025, and allowed residents to pay in two tranches.

However, residents insist that without a major review of the Peter Mbah infrastructure levy, many will lose their homes — a development they describe as devastating and unjust.