The Taraba State Government has announced a ban on the sale, allocation, or transfer of government-owned land without prior approval from the appropriate authorities, in a move aimed at strengthening land administration, improving transparency, and curbing illegal land transactions.
According to the state government, the directive forms part of ongoing efforts to protect public assets, prevent unauthorized land allocations, and ensure that government land is managed in accordance with existing laws and administrative procedures.
Officials warned that no individual, agency, or institution has the authority to sell, allocate, lease, or transfer government land without obtaining formal approval from the state government. They cautioned that any transaction carried out outside the approved process would be considered invalid and could attract legal consequences.
The government explained that the policy is intended to eliminate irregularities in land administration, reduce land disputes, and safeguard public property from encroachment and fraudulent transactions. It also reaffirmed its commitment to improving accountability in the management of state-owned land.
Prospective land buyers, developers, and investors were advised to conduct proper due diligence before acquiring any property and to verify land titles and allocation documents through the relevant government agencies. Authorities stressed that compliance with official procedures would help protect investors from fraudulent land deals and ownership disputes.
Urban planning experts say effective land administration is essential for sustainable housing development, infrastructure planning, and investor confidence. They noted that transparent allocation processes and reliable land records contribute to orderly urban growth while reducing conflicts over land ownership.
Stakeholders have welcomed the directive, describing it as a step toward improving governance in the land sector. They urged the government to complement the policy with digitised land records, faster title processing, and stronger enforcement to create a more efficient and transparent land administration system across Taraba State.
