Land Use Act: 47 Years Of Unresolved Property Rights And Equity Battles
The Land Use Act, enacted in March 1978 to guarantee equitable access to land for all Nigerians, continues to spark intense debates nearly five decades later. Persistent conflicts over land ownership between states and residents remain unresolved, with property rights and justice seemingly elusive.
Urban dwellers face surging housing costs, with many Nigerians discouraged from land investments due to fears of government revocations or demolitions. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), thousands of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) have been forfeited over non-compliance with payment regulations, while high-profile districts like Maitama have witnessed revocations of over 700 plots, including properties linked to former political officeholders.
Demolitions of allegedly illegal structures have compounded the crisis. Despite valid acquisition documentation, structures worth over ₦200 billion were destroyed recently in Abuja, displacing hundreds of families. Many cite systemic corruption, lack of transparency, and disregard for due process as key contributors.
The Land Use Act grants state governors control over land, held in trust for citizens, and authorizes revocations for public interest. However, critics argue this provision has often been exploited. Human rights activist Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) notes that revocations without court orders constitute abuses of power, leaving victims vulnerable.
The process of acquiring land legally in the FCT has been described as a near-impossible task for ordinary Nigerians. Despite complying with official procedures and fees, applicants face indefinite delays. Allegations of corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies within the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) have further discouraged land seekers, while estate developers and politicians reportedly secure plots with ease.
The principle of caveat emptor shifts responsibility onto buyers to verify land ownership before purchase. However, many Nigerians have fallen victim to demolitions despite claims of legitimate acquisitions. In one notable case, businessman Nicholas Ukachukwu reportedly lost an ₦11 billion property in Asokoro due to alleged non-compliance with land use regulations, exposing deeper issues within the system.
Across the country, similar demolitions have triggered public outrage. In Lagos, properties were cleared for the Lagos-Calabar Highway, leaving displaced property owners demanding compensation. Critics decry these exercises as anti-people and marred by ethnic profiling, while others view them as necessary for urban planning and adherence to master plans.
The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) has condemned corruption among public officials managing land allocations, calling for reforms to ensure transparency and fairness. Meanwhile, citizens continue to grapple with the uncertainty of land ownership, rising housing costs, and the fear of losing their homes to government bulldozers.
As the 47th anniversary of the Land Use Act approaches, the call for justice, equity, and effective land governance grows louder, with stakeholders urging reforms to restore public trust and ensure that every Nigerian can access the fundamental right to shelter.
