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.

The post Delta High Court Dismisses Objection in Alleged Land Grabbing Case appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of an Ibadan community have appealed to the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan of Ibadanland to intervene in an alleged land-grabbing dispute that they say threatens homes, livelihoods, and peace within the area. The community members expressed concerns over what they described as attempts by individuals to unlawfully take control of land belonging to local families and residents.

According to community leaders, the dispute has created tension among residents, prompting calls for urgent action from both traditional and government authorities. They urged the Olubadan and the state government to investigate the allegations and ensure that lawful landowners receive protection under existing laws.

The residents maintained that resolving the matter quickly is necessary to prevent further disputes and maintain stability within the affected community. They also called for transparent verification of land ownership records and stronger enforcement against illegal land acquisition practices.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns over land-related disputes in parts of Ibadan. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has repeatedly warned traditional title holders and community leaders against supporting land-grabbing activities, stressing that offenders could face prosecution and sanctions.

The monarch has also advocated stronger legal frameworks to tackle land grabbing, describing the practice as a threat to investment, development, and peaceful coexistence in Ibadan. He has called for tougher enforcement measures and quicker resolution of land disputes through established legal channels.

Stakeholders believe that effective collaboration between traditional institutions, government agencies, and law enforcement authorities will be essential to addressing recurring land disputes and improving confidence in land administration across Oyo State.

The post Ibadan Community Seeks Oyo Govt, Olubadan’s Intervention Over Alleged Land Grabbing appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has called on the Federal Government to implement a nationwide digital land mapping programme across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, saying the initiative could modernise land administration, improve investment inflows, and support economic development.

Speaking at the institution’s 60th Annual General Meeting and Conference in Kano, NIS President, Pius Chukwuemeka Eze, said Nigeria needs a comprehensive and unified digital cadastral system to unlock its full economic potential. He proposed a “one local government, one digital parcel map” initiative covering all parts of the country.

According to Eze, accurate geospatial information is essential for infrastructure development, agriculture, urban planning, environmental management, and national security. He noted that reliable mapping systems would help resolve land disputes, strengthen property registration processes, and improve revenue generation at all levels of government.

The surveyors’ body also stated that geospatial information has become increasingly important in today’s digital economy because development planning and investment decisions depend heavily on accurate spatial data. The institution maintained that surveyors possess the technical expertise required to execute the proposed digital mapping programme and called for stronger political support and funding to drive implementation.

Eze further urged governments to integrate surveying professionals more effectively into infrastructure planning and execution, arguing that better use of geospatial intelligence could improve decision-making and address several developmental challenges. He also advocated the completion of the National Cadastral Infrastructure and increased investment in surveying technology and capacity development.

The institution proposed the establishment of a zonal geospatial institute in Kano to train professionals in emerging technologies and strengthen the country’s geospatial capabilities. Stakeholders believe a nationwide digital land mapping system could significantly improve land governance, support economic planning, and attract greater investment into Nigeria’s property and infrastructure sectors.

The post Surveyors Propose Digital Land Mapping in All 774 LGAs appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of  housing and Urban development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has emphasized that continuous capacity building and stronger institutional collaboration are essential for improving surveying practices and land governance in Nigeria.

Dangiwa made this known while receiving the leadership of the during a courtesy visit to his office.

Training Key to Professional Standards

The minister stated that structured training and professional development programmes are necessary to equip surveyors, particularly young professionals, with the skills required to strengthen the sector.

According to him, capacity building remains the most sustainable way to promote professionalism and improve standards in surveying and mapping.

“Capacity building is the only way to properly develop young professionals and raise our standards and best practices,” he said.

Ministry Faces Workforce Gap

Dangiwa also disclosed that the ministry is currently experiencing a significant manpower shortage following a wave of retirements.

He revealed that over 1,000 staff members have retired within the last two years, creating the need for stronger collaboration with professional institutions for mentorship, training, and knowledge transfer.

He added that the ministry hosts a large number of surveyors and provides oversight for several professional bodies involved in land administration and geospatial services.

Surveying Key to Housing and Urban Development

The minister explained that the ministry’s core mandates—housing development, land administration, and urban planning—are closely linked to surveying and geospatial data services.

He also noted that a branch of the operates within the ministry through its cadastral department, highlighting the institutional relationship between government and surveying professionals.

Surveyors Seek Stronger Collaboration

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the , , said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the institution and the ministry.

He identified several areas for collaboration, including:

• Capacity building and professional training
• Institutional cooperation on policy implementation
• Geoinformatics and geospatial technology for land administration
• Strengthening national geospatial data systems
• Improving professional standards in surveying and mapping

Minister Honoured by Surveyors

During the meeting, the institution also announced the conferment of the Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors on in recognition of his contributions to housing and urban development.

The investiture ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 30, 2026.

SEO Elements

SEO Title: Capacity Building Key to Stronger Land Governance – Housing Minister Dangiwa

Meta Description:
Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa says capacity building and collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors are essential to improve land governance and surveying practice in Nigeria.

Focus Keyphrase: Dangiwa surveying land governance Nigeria

Slug: dangiwa-capacity-building-surveying-land-governance

Tags:
Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, land governance Nigeria, housing ministry Nigeria, geospatial data Nigeria, surveying profession Nigeria.

The post Capacity Building Critical for Better Land Governance, Surveying – Dangiwa appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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.

The post Expert Urges Modern Land Policy to Attract Investment in Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.