TENEMANT RATE A VERITABLE TOOL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE GENERATION

ESV. Ibiam Alexander

Tenement rate also known as property rating is another source of generating revenue for the local government in Nigeria, it can be traced back to the poor relief act or the statue of Elizabeth of 1601 in the United Kingdom (Oyegbile, 1996). In Nigeria, tenement rate came into force with the enactment of the assessment ordinance of May 1915. The 1999 constitution as amended under section 34 Schedule 4 recognizes and empowers the local government to collect tenement rate as one of the sub-head for generating revenue.

The statutory allocations from the Federal Government via federal monetary allocations does not to meet the needs of the people as the local government is faced with challenges from lack of access roads, drainages, access to good quality water, Primary health care facilities, schools, market stalls and host of others.

Therefore, the Local Government has to restore to tenement rate as alternative to generate for the development of their areas (Kuye, 2002).

However, Local Government bye laws provide for the procedures and techniques for the assessment, collection and appeal, so that the practice of tenement rate can be effective.

When proper assessment is conducted by professional estate valuers and the general public are properly sensitized and radio announcement are made, it becomes easier for people to payment and money realized can best be put into projects that will benefit Nigerians within the local government.

Most Local Government in Nigeria do not use advance technology or even professionals in the administration of tenement rate leading the people to have doubt in the process, the issue of sharp practices by corruption government official who diverts funds meant for projects to their own personal benefits gives the exercise a bad name.

In conclusion, the laws governing tenement rate administration should be strengthen and to avoid leakage in revenue either through omission or by defaults. The use of technology should be adopted, and the local government administers should undergo refresher courses to widen their understanding and dynamics of modern tools. Proper sensitization should be done and the chief, village head, youth leaders should be carried along to sensitize the people.

The Local government chairmen should ensure that funds generated are deployed into projects that are visible and this alone would encourage the people to pay their contribution and the society would be better for all.