Across Nigeria, land disputes have become a persistent obstacle to real estate development, disrupting investments and leaving properties undeveloped for years.
The complexity of resolving these conflicts varies across regions, shaped by cultural practices, traditional authority, and legal frameworks.
Mediation and arbitration are often the first steps in addressing disputes, offering quicker and less costly alternatives to court proceedings. Neutral third parties, including community leaders and elders, play a pivotal role in resolving conflicts. In Anambra State, for instance, disputes can escalate to the High Court if mediation fails.
Tools like title searches and land demarcation by licensed surveyors help establish ownership, while traditional methods, such as invoking sacred shrines, are still used in some areas.
In northern states like Kano, Yobe, and Borno, disputes between farmers and herdsmen are common. Traditional rulers often mediate these conflicts, leveraging their influence and deep knowledge of local customs. In regions like Bauchi and Jigawa, interventions by traditional leaders have resolved long-standing boundary issues, restoring peace and enabling development. However, the lack of surveyed and registered lands exacerbates these disputes, highlighting the urgent need for public education on land registration and administration.
In Lagos, the situation takes on a different level of complexity. The state’s high property values make land disputes particularly contentious, often involving powerful royal families and well-funded individuals. Buyers frequently face fraudulent sales by individuals posing as landowners, only to discover competing claims later. Cases can drag on for years, with some disputes escalating to violent confrontations. For many, owning land in Lagos is akin to owning an oil rig, with plots in prime locations like Lekki, Banana Island, and Eko Atlantic City commanding astronomical prices.
Sacrifices are sometimes necessary to settle disputes, as seen in areas like Festac, where both parties may give up portions of the contested land. In some instances, government agencies intervene to enforce regulations, demolishing properties built on unauthorized plots. Yet, even these measures rarely resolve underlying issues, as disputes often resurface due to overlapping claims and powerful interests.
Despite the challenges, traditional rulers across the country remain instrumental in resolving land disputes. Their authority, particularly in the North, ensures that settlements are final and widely respected. However, in Lagos and other urban centers, the mix of traditional and legal systems creates a complex web that slows resolution and stifles development.
The recurring theme across Nigeria is the urgent need for reform in land administration. Public awareness campaigns, increased training for surveyors, and streamlined processes for land registration could alleviate many of the issues. Until these measures are implemented, land disputes will continue to hinder real estate growth, leaving vast opportunities untapped in one of Africa’s most promising markets.
