The prosperity of a nation relies significantly on its natural resources, with land standing as a cornerstone of wealth and societal development.
In Nigeria, the Land Use Act of 1978 was introduced to reduce the cost of land, ensure equitable access, and facilitate housing and farming. However, its implementation has fallen short of expectations, posing challenges for landowners and real estate developers.
The lack of clear implementation guidelines, slow and costly issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os), and bureaucratic hurdles have created bottlenecks.
Estate surveyor Femi Oyedele highlighted that many states treat C of Os as revenue-generation tools rather than mechanisms for affordable housing. Without formal titles, over 90% of properties in Nigeria remain “dead capital,” denying owners access to the financial value of their assets.
Additionally, the outdated provisions of the Act, inadequate compensation clauses, and government powers to revoke occupancy rights have further complicated landownership.
Architect Musa Sada, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, emphasized the need to focus on adherence to regulations governing land allocation rather than arbitrary revocations of C of Os.
Addressing these systemic issues is essential to unlock Nigeria’s housing potential and empower citizens through secure landownership.
