The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, has announced a new premium framework for public land leases aimed at improving revenue generation and ensuring value for money in the allocation of state lands.

Under the new policy, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Lands Commission, prospective leaseholders will be required to pay a minimum of 70 percent of the assessed market value of a public land upfront as a premium.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, March 11, Mr. Sulemana explained that the remaining 30 percent will be spread across the tenure of the lease as ground rent.

“The Ministry, in collaboration with the Lands Commission, has introduced a new premium framework for public lands leases. Under this new framework, a minimum of 70 percent of the assessed market value of a public land will be paid upfront as a premium. The remaining 30 percent will be structured over the tenure of the lease as ground rent,” he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, the reform forms part of broader efforts by the government to ensure that the state derives maximum value from public lands while promoting transparency in land administration.

“This reform is intended to promote value for money, enhance revenue generation for the state, and ensure that public lands are allocated in a manner consistent with national economic interests,” he added.

Mr. Sulemana further noted that the new framework will help strengthen accountability in the management of public lands and ensure that allocations reflect their true market value.