Nigeria has been facing a silent land crisis for over a century, costing the nation an estimated $300 billion while leaving millions of landowners without proper documentation for their properties.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has revealed that over 90% of land in Nigeria remains unregistered, severely hindering economic growth and access to financial opportunities.
Speaking at the National Land Registration and Documentation Programme (NLRDP) Workshop in Abuja, Dangiwa traced this long-standing issue back to 1883, when formal land registration first began. Instead of implementing a structured system, Nigeria adopted a sporadic, non-compulsory process, leading to inefficiencies, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inflated costs for landowners.
The High Cost of an Outdated Land System
The consequences of this flawed system extend beyond administrative delays. Without proper land registration, landowners cannot use their properties as collateral for loans, making it difficult to secure investments or expand businesses.
Nigeria’s land governance is also plagued by:
✔️ Lack of reliable data
✔️ Inaccessible land records
✔️ Outdated regulations
The Land Use Act of 1978, which was meant to clarify land ownership, has instead caused more confusion due to missing implementation guidelines. Additionally, the absence of a national institution responsible for advising the Council of State on land matters has worsened governance issues.
New Digital Reforms to Fix the Crisis
Dangiwa emphasized that fixing these systemic failures is not just about efficiency but a crucial step toward economic transformation.
The government has launched a National Land Registration, Documentation, and Titling Programme to modernize the system. At its core is the National Digital Land Information System (NDLIS), designed to:
✔️ Centralize and digitize land records
✔️ Reduce bureaucracy and corruption
✔️ Speed up land transactions
The goal is to increase the percentage of formally registered land from the current 10% to over 50% within the next decade.
Senate and Global Stakeholders Push for Change
Senator Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, stressed that land is one of Nigeria’s most valuable assets, yet its full potential remains untapped due to legal and bureaucratic hurdles. He reassured stakeholders that the Senate is committed to improving legal structures, ensuring transparency, and securing sustainable funding for these reforms.
Similarly, Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, highlighted the economic risks of unregistered land, including illegal encroachment, deforestation, and poor land management.
The World Bank has also recognized Nigeria’s land reform efforts as a potential economic game-changer. Dr. Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank’s Country Director, represented by Dr. Michael Ilesanmi, emphasized that proper land governance is critical for poverty reduction and national stability. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in modernizing land administration and investment policies.
Nigeria’s Land Revolution: A Turning Point for Economic Growth
Nigeria’s land registration crisis has persisted for generations, but with renewed focus and strategic reforms, the country stands on the verge of a major transformation.
The combination of digital innovation, legislative support, and increased transparency could finally unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s vast land resources. If these efforts succeed, land will no longer be a wasted asset but a key driver of economic growth, wealth creation, and national development.
