The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers has raised concerns that state governments are encroaching on local governments’ authority over property taxes. This statement was made during the 31st Annual John Wood Ekpenyong Memorial Lecture, which coincided with the 2025 Fellows’ Induction Ceremony, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
A former president of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and principal partner at Emma Wike & Partners, Emma Wike emphasized the importance of promoting financial autonomy for local governments and reducing their dependence on higher levels of government. He noted, “Unfortunately, the Tenement rating administration in Nigeria has not been very successful. We are actually losing it for reasons I consider fundamental. Although there is a constitutional basis for the tenement rate, we need to address the situation in states like Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, and Anambra, which have enacted the Land Use Law and adopted the Land Use Charge.”
Wike pointed out that under these laws, state governments have taken over the authority of local governments by collecting property taxes or tenement rates. He described this as a clear instance of power usurpation, regardless of the sharing formula agreed upon by the state and local governments.
Explaining why local governments should have autonomy over property taxes, Wike argued that the federal and state governments cannot drive the desired economic growth and development in every part of the country, nor can they fully address the needs of rural areas.
The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Victor Alonge addressed the inductees, stressing that the honour bestowed upon them required a continued commitment to professional ethics, standards, and the institution’s objectives.
