To curb fraudulent practices in the payment of Lagos land use charges, the Lagos State government has designed a platform known as Lagos Online Assistant, LOLA, on 0815 433 3883, where residents can make payment for Land Use Charge conveniently, without any physical interaction with a government official.

The Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, who said this, also stated that early payment of the Land Use Charge within the stipulated period in the Demand Notice would exclude owners of such properties from payment of accumulated fines arising from late payment. Quoting from the provisions of the Land Use Charge Law 2020 A 39, the Commissioner said: “Where a person who has received a Demand Notice of LUC fails to pay the amount within the period specified in the Notice, the initial amount payable will be increased by different percentages. “Some of the penalties for late payment are: lateness between 45 calendar days and 75 calendar days will attract 10 per cent penalty; between 75 calendar days and 105 calendar days attracts 20 per cent penalty, while, between 105 calendar days and 135 calendar days attracts 50 per cent penalty.”

He explained that the LOLA platform came into existence in line with the administration’s THEMES Agenda of making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy, and it’s initiative on “ease of doing business,” by simplifying the methods of payment of LUC, which increases the existing payment options online. He said: “We understand the busy nature of our residents and property owners. As such, we decided to make the payment of Land Use Charge more convenient for everyone, whereby with WhatsApp message, a payment for LUC can be effected with absolute ease. He said aside from making LUC payment via LOLA, the platform also accepts inquiries from users and provides instant answers to persons seeking clarifications on different issues relating to the Land Use Charge.

According to Olowo, interested persons could still make use of the various Walk-In centres for LUC payment located in Victoria Island, Badagry, Ibeju, Alausa, Iju, Mushin, Apapa, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Surulere for issues relating to their Land Use Charge. He said anyone having difficulty in making payment for Land Use Charge can also engage LOLA by visiting www.lola.ng of luc. lagosstate.gov.ng. While saying other payment options for LUC, such as mobile banking/internet banking, POS, USSD Short Code, and Remita, among others, are still accessible for interested persons, Olowo urged persons with unresolved complaints to contact the Land Use Charge Assessment Appeal Tribunal, LUCAAT at Plot 3, Otunba Jobifele Way, CBD, Alausa.