From Our Correspondent
The Delta State government has reaffirmed that the collection of development levies at construction sites is illegal and punishable by law, warning community leaders and members to ensure compliance.
This reminder follows a wave of complaints from property developers accusing members of Community Development Associations (CDA) and local committees of extortion.
The Director General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, emphasized in a statement on Saturday that the "Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018" remains in full effect.
The law, signed by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa after being passed by the Delta State House of Assembly under the leadership of then-Speaker and current Governor Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, criminalizes the collection of any form of levies or fees by CDAs, community leaders, or traditional institutions at construction sites.
Dr. Oghenesivbe revealed that ongoing exploitation of property developers—ranging from demands of N200,000 to over N1,000,000—has prompted numerous complaints and social media outcries.
In response, the Bureau has warned that violators of this law risk a jail term of two to five years, or a fine of up to N1 million.
Governor Oborevwori, in a previous statement, had also underscored that the illegal collection of levies, including the controversial “Deve” fees, is prohibited, urging community leaders to desist from discouraging investors.
The law is designed to protect property developers and encourage infrastructural development across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The Director General highlighted that sections 13 and 11 of the law explicitly ban levies and multiple sales of land, setting stiff penalties for violators.
He called on all stakeholders to comply with these laws, as the state continues to attract both local and foreign investors to develop its infrastructure.
Oghenesivbe urged communities to support the government’s efforts rather than hinder development through illegal levies, reminding them that assaulting construction workers, trespassing, and unauthorized collection of fees at construction sites are now punishable offenses.
