The Delta State High Court has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by members of the Okonjo family in an alleged land-grabbing dispute, allowing the substantive case to proceed. The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running disagreement over land ownership and property rights in the state.

The case centres on allegations of unlawful acquisition and ownership claims over disputed parcels of land. The defendants had challenged the court’s jurisdiction and sought to halt proceedings through a preliminary objection. However, the court ruled that the matter should proceed to a full hearing to determine the merits of the claims and counterclaims presented by the parties.

Legal experts note that disputes over land ownership remain a major challenge in several parts of Nigeria, often leading to prolonged litigation, community tensions, and uncertainty over property rights. They argue that effective land administration systems and timely judicial interventions are essential to resolving such conflicts and promoting investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Stakeholders have also called for improved land documentation, digital record systems, and stronger dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce cases of conflicting ownership claims and alleged land grabbing. They maintain that secure property rights are critical to economic development and sustainable urban planning.

The court’s decision means the parties will now proceed to substantive hearings where evidence and arguments relating to the disputed land will be examined before a final determination is made.

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Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has advocated the establishment of a specialised commercial dispute tribunal to accelerate the resolution of business-related conflicts and improve investor confidence in the country. He argued that a more efficient dispute resolution framework would help unlock capital, reduce investment risks, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

Speaking at a business and investment forum, Edun noted that lengthy legal processes often discourage investors and delay critical business decisions. According to him, creating a dedicated tribunal focused on commercial disputes would provide faster resolutions, improve contract enforcement, and create a more predictable business environment.

The minister stressed that access to swift and transparent justice is a key factor considered by both local and foreign investors when making investment decisions. He explained that improving dispute resolution mechanisms could support ongoing efforts to attract private capital into strategic sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and housing.

Edun further highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing reforms that strengthen the ease of doing business and encourage long-term investments. He said Nigeria must continue modernising its legal and regulatory frameworks to align with global best practices and improve its attractiveness as an investment destination.

Industry stakeholders have long identified slow judicial processes and contract enforcement challenges as obstacles to business growth. Analysts believe that a specialised commercial dispute tribunal could reduce case backlogs, lower transaction costs, and improve confidence among domestic and international investors.

The proposal comes as Nigeria seeks to increase private-sector participation in economic development and mobilise additional capital to support infrastructure projects, job creation, and sustainable growth across multiple sectors.

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