The Ondo State House of Assembly has called for the speedy processing and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to promote ease of doing business and enable property owners to access loans and other financial opportunities.
The call was made by the House Committee on Lands and Housing, led by its Chairman, Abiola Oladapo, during an oversight visit to the Ministry of Lands and Housing, the Ondo State Property Development Corporation (OSDPC), and the State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) in Akure.
Orange FM’s Otobot Jim, reports that the visit was aimed at monitoring the agencies’ activities and budget performance, identifying operational challenges, and recommending legislative interventions where necessary.
Speaking during the exercise, Oladapo sought explanations for delays in processing Certificates of Occupancy, stressing that property owners require the documents to attract investments, secure loans, and access other financial facilities.
The committee chairman also directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to submit documents relating to its ongoing projects and the contractors handling them, noting that members would conduct physical inspections to ascertain the level of completion.
Responding on behalf of the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Niyi Akinbola, listed ongoing projects to include the new High Court Complex in Alagbaka, thirty-two units of four-bedroom terrace houses for cabinet members, as well as office complexes and renovation works across the state.
Akinbola disclosed that land administration in the state had been digitised but identified inadequate security for field officers as one of the challenges affecting operations.
At the Ondo State Property Development Corporation, the General Manager, Mrs Nene Ogunleye, commended the committee for the visit, saying it would strengthen the relationship between the corporation and the legislature.
She explained that the corporation, under the supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, is mandated to provide affordable housing for residents of the state.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of OSSAA, Mrs Morayo Bayo-Philips, outlined the agency’s core responsibilities, including the regulation of signage and outdoor advertising, while highlighting efforts to improve revenue generation and compliance with relevant regulations.
The committee assured the three agencies of legislative support, stressing the need for stronger collaboration and regular engagement with the House of Assembly to improve service delivery and address operational challenges.
