Despite advancements in land acquisition and title documentation across Nigeria’s states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), challenges such as irregular revocations, document mix-ups, and political interference continue to plague the system.
Over the last two decades, most Nigerian states, including the FCT, have established Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to streamline land administration and prevent fraudulent practices. The Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), introduced in 2003, was expected to digitize land records, minimize disputes, and enhance transparency.
However, investigations have revealed that cases of lost titles, swapped numbers, and document errors remain prevalent. Furthermore, political interference has reportedly led to instances where land titles are revoked and reallocated to associates of those in power.
Stakeholders in the property business acknowledge that AGIS has significantly reduced corruption and disputes in Abuja. Before its establishment, multiple allocations and prolonged court battles were common. With computerized land records, cases of double allocations have significantly declined.
However, allegations have surfaced accusing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of revoking lands and reallocating them to his allies. The minister has publicly denied these claims, challenging accusers to provide verifiable evidence.
According to businessman Kunle Ogunyemi, AGIS has improved record-keeping, making it difficult for unauthorized alterations to occur. Similarly, land agent Mallam Nasiru Sufi stated that manual tampering with land files is now virtually impossible, as records are fully digitized.
A senior director at AGIS, who spoke anonymously, reinforced this position, explaining that the system is designed to flag and track any unauthorized data manipulation. He, however, noted that land revocation remains the minister’s exclusive power, and once a plot is revoked, it is legally reallocated through proper documentation.
While digitalization has strengthened land administration in the FCT, concerns remain over the abuse of revocation powers and lack of due process. Property stakeholders urge the government to ensure fairness, transparency, and legal adherence in land allocations to prevent unjust seizures and maintain public trust in the system.
