The University of Lagos on Tuesday opened the 3rd International Conference and Fair on Land and Development alongside the 7th Lateef Jakande Annual Lecture, bringing together global experts, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to address Africa’s urgent land-use and infrastructure challenges.
Organised by the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), the three-day event is themed “Sustainable Land Development and Urban Infrastructure in Africa.”
Professor Timothy Nubi, Director of CHSD, said the conference is aimed at generating actionable solutions for African cities facing rapid population growth and infrastructure pressure.
“Over the next three days, we will explore innovative finance models, climate-resilient designs, and community-led solutions,” Nubi said. “We intend to leave with implementable actions for Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and beyond.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola urged African leaders to embrace innovation and inclusive planning. She praised the legacy of Lateef Jakande, describing him as a visionary whose commitment to affordable housing still guides development efforts today.
Ogunsola noted the urgency of Africa’s urban crisis, warning that by 2050, an additional 950 million people will move into African cities — with Nigeria’s population nearing 400 million.
“This growth must be managed,” she warned. “Our choices will determine whether it becomes an economic opportunity or a catastrophe.”
Delivering the lead paper, Chudi Ubosi, Principal Partner at Ubosi Eleh & Co., highlighted how outdated land laws continue to hinder development.
Ubosi revealed that less than 10% of Nigeria’s land has proper title, with fewer than 600,000 certificates of occupancy nationwide.
He stressed that the Land Use Act — nearly 50 years old — must be reformed to meet today’s realities.
“This document predates mobile phones; it cannot support modern development,” Ubosi said, calling for deeper stakeholder engagement.
Discussions also covered innovative financing tools, climate-resilient planning, and community-led solutions to address Africa’s urban challenges. Speakers emphasised stronger collaboration among academia, government, and the private sector to drive sustainable urban transformation.
