The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has made a commitment to eliminating barriers that are hindering the growth of the housing sector, with a specific focus on addressing the inefficiencies within the country’s land administration system. During a meeting with the Chairman of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR), Professor Peter O. Adeniyi, and its members in Abuja, the Minister unveiled plans to overhaul Nigeria’s land administration, ensuring easier access to land, efficient use, and seamless transfer and conversion processes.
Commending the commendable work done by the Committee despite challenges, Dangiwa assured Prof. Adeniyi and other members of the Committee of the unwavering commitment of the President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to implement the recommendations of the PTCLR. He further stated that the Ministry will incorporate essential aspects of the Committee’s work into its reform strategy for implementation.
To expedite the implementation process, the Minister announced the formation of an Internal Ministerial Committee, tasked with a detailed review of the Committee’s submissions. A subsequent meeting with the PTCLR has been scheduled within the next two weeks.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Adeniyi acknowledged the substantial progress made by the Committee over the years, including the development of a Draft Land Use Act and Draft Regulations to address all facets of the sector.
Expressing his excitement about the Minister’s invitation, Professor Adeniyi described it as a renewed hope for the realization of the PTCLR Slogan – “Reform Land, Transform Nigeria”. He expressed optimism about the Minister’s passion and determination to drive policies, emphasizing the significant opportunity to finally achieve the much-needed land reforms for national development.
Furthermore, acknowledging the absence of legal backing for their Systematic Land Titling and Administration (SLTA) framework, which has been adopted by states such as Kaduna and Kano, Professor Adeniyi highlighted the need for the establishment of a commission to provide the necessary legal support, thereby making the system universally applicable across states.
The PTCLR, constituted by eminent experts in land reforms in 2009, has been instrumental in generating comprehensive recommendations and blueprints aimed at revolutionizing land administration in the country. These recommendations, once put into effect, have the potential to significantly improve land accessibility and drive economic growth by unlocking an estimated $300 billion in dead capital.
This meeting marks a progressive step for the Ministry, reflecting its commitment to prioritize land reforms to streamline land administration, making the process more efficient and cost-effective for Nigerian citizens.
