The complexities of land reform policies in Nigeria are unveiled in an exclusive interview with Prof. Peter Adeniyi, the Chairman of the Presidential Technical Committee on Lands Reforms and former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. In this illuminating discussion, he addresses the challenges, findings, and the path forward for the country’s land administration.
The committee’s inception in 2009 aimed to tackle the issues surrounding land governance in Nigeria. Prof. Adeniyi sheds light on the committee’s comprehensive terms of reference, emphasizing the critical need for cadastration, individual possession rights determination, demarcation of land boundaries, and conflict resolution mechanisms. The exploration of establishing a National Depository for land title holdings and records, alongside mechanisms for land valuation, formed the pivotal thrust of the committee’s mandate.
Prof. Adeniyi delineates the arduous journey of the committee, spanning over 14 years, to address the dire state of land documentation. The findings are stark and unsettling. Less than five percent of Nigeria’s land is accurately documented, a shocking revelation considering the sporadic registration system initiated 140 years ago. The absence of authenticated information and the labyrinthine process of property registration exacerbate the land ownership conundrum, deterring potential investors and impeding development.
The interview delves into the intricate web of challenges plaguing Nigeria’s land administration. The absence of authoritative and accessible land records, the lack of transparency in land transactions, and the inadequacy of essential regulations to facilitate the implementation of the Land Use Act amplify the urgency for reform. The critical need for a national institution to support the Council of State in formulating regulations, and the dearth of accurate data for land valuation further compounds the predicament. Moreover, the absence of basic infrastructure, including geomatic stations, land use and township maps, and functional land registries, underscores the systemic deficiencies hindering effective land administration.
In essence, Prof. Peter Adeniyi’s insights peel back the layers of Nigeria’s land documentation crisis, underscoring the imperative for a holistic, sustained, and transparent land reform agenda. The interview serves as a clarion call for concerted efforts to address the profound challenges confronting Nigeria’s land administration, echoing the urgency for comprehensive policy reforms and robust institutional frameworks.
Championing Systematic Land Titling: Nigeria’s Unyielding Battle for Progress
Nigeria has grappled with archaic land registration methods, leaving about 95% of its land undocumented and subjected to sporadic registration practices. The ineffectiveness of the Land Use Act, over-centralization, and neglect of local governance have exacerbated the situation, disproportionately affecting the underprivileged.
In an exclusive interview with a leading figure at the forefront of land reform efforts, poignant challenges hindering progress were brought to light. The absence of a shared vision among political and professional leaders has impeded the seamless execution of crucial land reforms. The untimely demise of key visionaries, such as late President Yar’adua, has resulted in the loss of pivotal ideas that could have steered the nation towards a brighter future.
Moreover, the pervasive lack of commitment from public servants has contributed to a culture of selfishness and resistance to change. The insidious grip of corruption, perpetuated by the political and professional elites, further enshrouds the prospects of reform in uncertainty. The emergence of transformative technologies is met with trepidation and pushback from those accustomed to benefiting from the status quo, propagating fear and resistance to innovation.
Despite these uphill battles, the interviewee emphasized the potential for transformation by drawing parallels with Rwanda’s remarkable land titling achievements. The rapid and comprehensive land titling implemented in Rwanda serves as a poignant example, illustrating what is achievable within a short span of three years. The stark juxtaposition with Nigeria’s obstacles underscores the notion that change is not only necessary but also achievable even in larger and more complex terrains.
As Nigeria forges ahead in its pursuit of systematic land titling, the underlying message is clear – the interwoven fabrics of political will, bureaucratic commitment, and societal collaboration are imperative for progress. The need for leaders driven by a genuine desire to uplift the nation and alleviate poverty becomes increasingly evident, as a resilient Nigeria continues its unyielding battle for transformative change.
