The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have flagged off an 18-storey Ibom Towers project in the Victoria Island area of Lagos State.

Governor Eno announced this via a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, October 30.

Speaking after the Ibom Towers project ceremony in Lagos, Governor Eno stated that the project will drive revenue growth and strengthen economic ties between Akwa Ibom and Lagos States.

Eno commended Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu for leading the ceremony, adding that the project is set for completion in 24 months.

He detailed that the Ibom Towers, located at Plot 868A, Bishop Aboyade Cole, Victoria Island, Lagos, will feature luxury apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology.

Governor Eno said, “Today, as part of our efforts to diversify Akwa Ibom’s economy, we marked the groundbreaking of the 18-story Ibom Towers in Lagos. This project, expected to be completed in 24 months, will drive substantial revenue growth and economic ties between Akwa Ibom and Lagos States.

“We are grateful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading the groundbreaking ceremony and to former Governors Udom Emmanuel, CON, and Obong Victor Attah for their support.

“Ibom Towers represents a bold step toward economic innovation, featuring luxury apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology.

“It’s designed to attract urban professionals and generate revenue through property leases and tourism, boosting GDP for both states. Thanks to everyone who joined us today, including the Oba of Oniru, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, Speaker Udeme Otong, AKICORP MD Imo-Abasi Jacob, and numerous traditional rulers for their support in bringing this vision to life. Together, we’re paving the way for a prosperous future!”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who described the project as a symbol of inter-state collaboration, commended Umo Eno for recognizing Lagos as a prime investment opportunity.

The Lagos State Governor expressed his full support for Governor Eno and the Ibom Towers project.

He said, “Today, I joined Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for the groundbreaking ceremony of Ibom Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos.

“I commend Governor Eno for recognizing Lagos as a prime investment opportunity, as this project is a symbol of inter-state collaboration. It represents not only physical growth but also our commitment to strengthening economic ties and fostering new opportunities.

“As Ibom Tower rises, it will serve as a beacon for business and community engagement, reflecting our shared vision for Nigeria’s growth through creativity and collaboration.

“On behalf of Lagos State, I extend our support to Governor Eno and all involved in this endeavor.”

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced plans to revoke the Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) of property owners who continue to refuse payment of ground rent and other statutory charges owed to the Ministry.

This development was disclosed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, during the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Dangiwa stated that the Federal Government is giving C of O holders a 60-day ultimatum to clear their outstanding debts.

At the conference, themed “Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges of Land Administration and Its Impact on Climate Change and Community Rights,” Dangiwa revealed that property owners’ refusal to pay their dues has resulted in a loss of trillions of naira in revenue for the government.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration will not tolerate non-compliance, as the revenue is critical to delivering on the president’s agenda.

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is aware that several owners of titled properties have failed to pay ground rent and other statutory charges to the Ministry for several years.

“This non-compliance has resulted in the loss of trillions of naira in revenue to the Federal Government. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this cannot be tolerated, as this revenue is much needed to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“As such all Federal C of O title owners are hereby given a 60-day notice to settle all outstanding ground rent and statutory charges. Failure to make payment within this period will result in the revocation of their C of Os.”

“Failure to adhere to these requirements will attract the appropriate penalties and sanctions,” Dangiwa warned.

The announcement comes amidst the economic hardship ravaging the country as a result of the fuel subsidy removal of President Bola Tinubu government’s.