The Ondo State House of Assembly has called for faster processing and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to unlock property investments, improve access to credit and stimulate economic growth in the state.
The lawmakers made the call on Wednesday during an oversight visit by the House Committee on Lands and Housing to the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Ondo State Property Development Corporation and Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency in Akure.
The committee Chairman, Chief Abiola Oladapo, said efficient land administration was essential to creating an enabling environment for businesses and property owners.
He urged the Ministry of Lands and Housing to explain delays in issuing C of O, noting that property owners needed the documents to access loans and other financial facilities.
Oladapo also directed the ministry to submit documents on its ongoing projects and contractors for inspection, assuring the agencies of the Assembly’s legislative support.
At the OSDPC, General Manager, Nene Ogunleye, said the corporation was committed to providing affordable housing but faced challenges in fully delivering its mandate.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also held a public hearing on a bill seeking to review the retirement age of magistrates and presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts in the state.
The hearing brought together representatives of the judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Law Commission, legal practitioners and other stakeholders.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges, Stephen Abitogun, said the proposed legislation was aimed at retaining experienced judicial officers, improving efficiency in lower courts and aligning their conditions of service with contemporary standards.
The Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, called for the retirement age of magistrates to be raised to 65 years, alongside improved remuneration, allowances and retirement benefits.
The association said better welfare would boost the morale of judicial officers and strengthen justice delivery.
Other stakeholders, including the Law Officers Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Bar Association, Akure Branch, backed calls for improved welfare, while the Chief Judge, Justice Ayedun Odusola, represented by Justice Femi Akinbinu, cautioned against extending benefits meant for judicial officers to other categories of workers in the judiciary, warning that disparities could trigger industrial unrest.
