A former President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Johnbull Amayaevbo, has called for a comprehensive modernization of land governance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to boost investor confidence, expand internally generated revenue, and position Abuja as a globally competitive city.
Speaking at a lecture titled “From Compliance to Competitiveness: Positioning Abuja’s Land Governance Framework for Investment Confidence and Revenue Growth,” Amayaevbo emphasized that Abuja’s current land administration system must evolve from rigid, compliance-driven bureaucracy into a market-responsive framework that actively encourages investment and economic growth.
Drawing lessons from global cities such as Riyadh, Singapore, Vancouver, Barcelona, Curitiba, and Kigali, the expert highlighted that modern land governance can serve as a strategic economic tool. It not only shapes investor perception but also strengthens fiscal capacity and enables sustainable urban development.
“In contemporary urban economies, land governance has evolved beyond administrative functions. It now shapes investor confidence, revenue mobilization, and overall city competitiveness,” Amayaevbo said.
The NIESV expert cited Riyadh’s Vision 2030 as a benchmark, noting that large-scale master planning, state-led land assembly, integrated land-use regulation, and digitized land administration have reduced investor uncertainty and accelerated project execution. Similarly, Vancouver’s market-responsive land policies and Singapore’s long-term leasehold systems demonstrate the role of transparent and predictable land governance in attracting investment.
According to Amayaevbo, improving Abuja’s land governance framework will also enhance public sector revenue, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and strengthen investor trust in the FCT property market. He urged policymakers to implement reforms that integrate digital land records, clear zoning regulations, and streamlined approval processes.
“Abuja has the potential to become a globally competitive capital. Effective land policy reform is key to attracting investors, encouraging sustainable urban growth, and increasing revenue,” he added.
Amayaevbo’s lecture highlighted the need for the FCT administration to adopt strategies that prioritize investor certainty, transparent land transactions, and urban planning aligned with economic growth objectives.
