The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is poised to revolutionize land administration through the development of a National Land Digital System (NLDS). This transformative initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in land transactions, while unlocking the untapped economic potential of the sector.
According to a statement released by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Salisu Badamasi Haiba, to the Press on Friday, November 15, 2024, the announcement was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during the 13th National Council on Housing, Lands, and Urban Development held in Gombe, Gombe State.
Minister Dangiwa emphasized that the NLDS will address long-standing challenges in land registration, providing a comprehensive, secure digital registry to verify land ownership. “By enhancing transparency and reducing fraud, this initiative will increase investor confidence and unlock up to $300 billion in untapped economic potential related to land and property,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted the ambitious target of increasing formal land transactions from less than 10% to over 50% within a decade. The initiative aims to secure property rights, boost economic activity, and foster development across the country.
Currently, over 90% of Nigeria’s land remains unregistered, representing a vast amount of untapped capital. To address this, the Federal Government plans to work with state governments to register, document, and title all land parcels, ensuring clarity and security in land ownership.
“Effective land administration is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and development,” said Dangiwa, outlining that transparency in land transactions not only enhances property rights but also reduces conflicts and encourages sustainable land use practices.
The Minister also discussed measures to address Nigeria’s rapid urbanization, including the forthcoming National Urban Development Policy (NUDP), designed to create resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities. He urged federal, state, and local governments to collaborate in transforming urban spaces for sustainable development.
Dangiwa revealed that the government is advancing the construction of over 10,000 housing units across 14 locations nationwide and has earmarked land in Enugu and Borno for the development of 2,000-unit Renewed Hope Cities. Plans for similar projects are underway in Nasarawa and Rivers States.
In collaboration with the World Bank, the Ministry has introduced a new compensation framework for individuals affected by land acquisition. Minister Dangiwa noted that this updated system bridges an 18-year gap in policy, ensuring fair compensation for those impacted by development projects. For instance, compensation for cashew trees in the North Central Zone has increased from N2,000 to N45,000 per matured tree.
At the Council meeting, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State urged stakeholders to streamline mortgage options, promote eco-friendly building materials, and incentivize private investment to achieve sustainable development. Similarly, Hon. Abiante Awaji, Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Development, emphasized the need for climate-resilient urban planning to safeguard citizens and investments.
The Council meeting concluded with a call to action for federal and state governments to domesticate urban development policies and advance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope Cities. Minister Dangiwa reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a framework for long-term sustainable growth that addresses housing and infrastructure needs while fostering inclusive and climate-resilient cities.
