The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, has initiated a nationwide effort to register all land titles.
This move aims to attract investments in agriculture, real estate, and industrialization while addressing the country’s low rate of titled land.
Currently, an estimated 90% of Nigeria’s land remains untitled, leaving only 5% with valid documentation. This situation has hindered access to credit, as untitled land cannot be used as collateral for loans.
The government has set a five-year timeline to increase land accessibility and create opportunities for local and foreign investors. Experts believe this initiative could unlock nearly $1 trillion in economic potential, as vast untitled land has been described as “dead capital.”
Development projects often face delays or cancellations due to difficulties in acquiring titled land. Land disputes, high acquisition costs, and legal uncertainties have further complicated access to property. In Lagos, for example, land prices have surged by 31-48% year-on-year due to high demand.
The African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have committed $538 million to agricultural and housing projects. Additionally, several states, including Nasarawa, Lagos, and Ekiti, are taking steps to improve land management through compensation programs and housing development projects.
Authorities have issued strict regulations to enforce land-use laws, with developers on the Lagos shoreline given a one-month deadline to regularize or risk demolition. These reforms aim to enhance transparency, resolve land disputes, and drive economic growth across Nigeria.
