Why Land Matters
Land is more than just ground beneath our feet. It supports life, business, farming, and shelter. It holds water, minerals, trees, and homes. Everything starts with land food, housing, roads, and even factories.
It’s a key factor in production and development. Without land, no community or country can grow.
Land and Conflict in Nigeria
In Nigeria, land is not just an asset. It carries emotional, cultural, and historical value. Because of its importance, land often causes conflict. Many communities fight over fertile land or valuable natural resources. These fights destroy lives, property, and local economies. Even after the violence ends, problems with land ownership often remain.
Why the Land Use Act Was Introduced
To fix land problems, the Nigerian government passed the Land Use Act in 1978. The goal was to make land ownership clearer and fairer. The Act gave state governors control of all land. They were to manage it for the benefit of the people. The law also aimed to stop land speculation and promote development.
What the Act Allows
Under the law, governors issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to show legal land rights. They also approve sales, transfers, leases, and mortgages. The Act divides land rights into urban and rural types. This setup helps protect land use and gives structure to land transactions.
Some Benefits of the Law
The Land Use Act has helped reduce speculation. It made land more available for housing, roads, farming, and business. Urban areas became more organized. Land disputes dropped in some places. Many believe the Act helped Nigeria grow, especially in city planning and infrastructure.
But There Are Problems
Many critics say the Act gives too much power to governors. This power slows down land deals. Getting a governor’s consent is often hard, costly, and slow. The rules are also confusing. Small businesses and farmers can’t use land as loan collateral without approval. This stops them from growing and getting credit.
The Call for Reform
Many experts agree that the Act needs a full review. It was made 47 years ago. Nigeria has changed a lot since then. The law should match today’s needs. Groups like the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers want the National Assembly to take action.
Conclusion
Land plays a huge role in Nigeria’s future. It affects food, jobs, housing, peace, and the economy. The Land Use Act has done some good. But it also holds back progress. If Nigeria wants to grow faster and reduce land-related problems, the law must evolve. Reforming the Act is not just smart it’s necessary.
