BY: Ubong Usoro
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has taken a significant step toward improving land administration in the country with a promise to streamline the processes for land registration and documentation to boost the real estate sector.
This was disclosed during a workshop on National Land Registration and Documentation Programme (NLRDP) facilitated by the ministry’s Lands and Housing Development Department in Abuja.
The workshop aimed to address Nigeria’s land tenure issues, which have long posed challenges to property ownership, urban development, and economic growth.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, emphasized the government’s commitment to streamlining land registration and documentation to unlock Nigeria’s vast real estate potential.
Among the experts at the event was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands and Housing, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, who commended the ministry for its foresight in addressing Nigeria’s land documentation challenges. He noted that the initiative would help establish a more robust land policy.
Commissioners of Housing from Cross River, Plateau, Jigawa, and Kano States took turns delivering goodwill messages, appreciating the federal government’s efforts and highlighting the importance of efficient land administration for national development.
Fuad Malkawi, a Senior Urban Development Specialist with the World Bank, stressed the need for improved land administration in Nigeria. He noted that many Nigerian cities face significant urban challenges and that streamlined land acquisition is essential for sustainable development. Malkawi also commended states like Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos for taking positive steps toward improving land administration.
Speaking on the role of the real estate sector, Akintoye Adeoye, the National President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), mentioned that land documentation and registration are the bedrock of any economy. He explained that land is the largest asset class and that ensuring proper documentation can unlock economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Mr. Shehu Osidi, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, stated that the bank has developed products aimed at integrating the informal sector into Nigeria’s mortgage system.
Mr. Adebomeyin Abdulganiyu, the Surveyor General of the Federation, reiterated that land in Nigeria is vested in the government under the Land Use Act. He explained that governors serve as custodians of land within their states and that proper surveying and boundary demarcation are crucial to unlocking the economic potential of land.
With land tenure security playing a crucial role in national development, the National Land Registration and Documentation Programme (NLRDP) is expected to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility to land administration in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving housing and urban development policies, ensuring that landowners and investors have a clearer legal framework for property rights.
