ABUJA – The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has announced the initiation of a thorough property assessment exercise to catalog all properties within its jurisdiction, aiming to enhance resource allocation for the upcoming 2025 budget.
This significant undertaking, which has not been conducted in nearly eight years, will include a detailed inventory of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, AMAC Supervisory Councilor on Special Duties, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, representing the Chairman, outlined the critical need for this assessment. “The cataloging of all property types will guide our budgeting process and help us allocate resources more effectively, from infrastructure to public services like schools and police posts,” he stated.
According to AMAC bylaws, property assessments are legally required every five years to support effective planning. Leading this assessment is Mr. Ebuka Anih and a team of certified surveyors, who will conduct an exhaustive review of all 12 wards within AMAC, covering areas like Karshi, Orozo, Kado, Nyanya, Wuse, Gwarimpa, and Garki.
Highlighting the importance of the assessment’s accuracy, Inyang cautioned property owners against denying access to surveyors, noting that refusal could result in legal consequences. “It is a criminal offense to deny access. Surveyors are legally authorized to assess and measure properties to ensure precise data collection,” he emphasized.
This initiative will be conducted by an independent external body, ensuring a transparent process with publicly accessible results. Residents will have opportunities to review and contest any findings, with an appeal tribunal and magistrate court available for resolution.
Mr. Chukwuebuka Anih, Principal Partner of Ebuka Anih & Co. Estate Surveyors & Valuers, reassured residents of the integrity of the surveying process. “Accurate property assessments are critical for AMAC’s developmental planning,” he said, advising residents to verify surveyors’ identification when approached.
The Divisional Head of Tenement Rate & Valuation Office at AMAC, Anna Ibrahim, noted a significant upgrade from manual documentation to a fully digital approach, enhancing the efficiency of the assessment. “This exercise will take no more than five minutes per property,” she stated, urging full cooperation to ensure accurate data and prevent future discrepancies.
As AMAC’s commitment to sustainable development continues, the council emphasizes that the data collected from this exercise will play a foundational role in identifying areas requiring development. Inyang concluded by underscoring AMAC’s commitment to public safety and respect, adding, “We have zero tolerance for harassment; surveyors are there to serve, not intrude.”
Set to commence immediately, this initiative marks a critical step toward resource equity, ensuring that AMAC’s development priorities align closely with the needs of its residents.