The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to partner with the World Bank to modernise land administration in Nigeria.
Our correspondent reports that this would be achieved by developing a National Land Digital System for the optimisation of land transactions, that would enable transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.
Disclosing this on Thursday in Gombe, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made the revelation for the partnership in his remarks during the meeting with state commissioners responsible for lands and housing matters at the 13th National Council on Housing, Lands, and Urban Development in Gombe, Gombe State.
Dangiwa said, “The digital initiative will solve the long standing challenges currently faced in land registration, as well as boost economic activity and enhance property rights protection, with a goal of increasing formal land transactions from less than 10 per per cent to over 50 per cent within a decade.”
Dangiwa added that the pivotal decision will tackle the challenges obstructing effective and efficient land registration in the country, adding that both parties were finalising the operational framework and investment commitment for the initiative.
He said, “The system will serve as a comprehensive, accessible digital registry, enabling Nigerians to verify land ownership securely and efficiently; further affirming that by enhancing transparency and reducing fraud, the NDLS will increase investor confidence and unlock up to $300 billion in untapped economic potentials related to land and property.”
The Minister also disclosed to participants at the Council meeting the Federal Government’s readiness to work with state governments to register, document, and title all land parcels, clarifying and securing land ownership to unlock development and investment.
“Currently, over 90 per cent of the country’s land remains unregistered, representing an estimated $300 billion in untapped capital,” he said.
Outlining the significance of effective land administration as regards Nigeria’s economic growth and development, Dangiwa noted that by ensuring clarity, security, and accessibility in land ownership and transactions, the country is laying the foundation for increased investment, both domestic and international.
He emphasised that transparent land administration would enhance property rights, reduce conflicts, and encourage sustainable land use practices, which together foster a stable environment for economic activities.
On rapid urbanization in Nigeria, the Minister explained that steps to address the issue have been outlined in the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) waiting for approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), adding that the policy is designed to create resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities across Nigeria.
Dangiwa informed participants that Africa now has an Africa Urban Forum, which was recently held this year in Addis Ababa, noting that all African Member Countries, including Nigeria at the forum, agreed to organize an Annual National Urban Forum in the declaration.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, to transform urban spaces for the benefit of Nigerians, directing delegates to begin the process of domesticating Africa Urban Forum in Nigeria by organising the Annual National Urban Forum in line with the Addis Ababa declaration, where leaders and professionals in the housing sector will meet to discuss Nigeria’s Urban Agenda for Nigeria.
“Our goal is to provide a framework that guides long term sustainable growth, addressing not only housing and infrastructure needs but also creating the foundation for economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities,” he remarked.
On tackling Nigeria’s massive housing deficit, Dangiwa said that
the Ministry is advancing the construction of over 10,000 housing units across 14 locations nationwide, highlighting the role of Public-Private Partnerships in accelerating housing delivery, especially for middle- and high-income earners.
“We have also acquired land in Enugu and Borno for the development of 2,000-unit Renewed Hope Cities under a PPP arrangement. Planned locations for additional cities include Nasarawa and Rivers States with 2000 units each, respectively.
“Our goal is to establish at least one Renewed Hope City in each geo-political zone and the FCT,” Dangiwa revealed.
While focusing on the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing for low-income Nigerians, the Minister urged all Commissioners to encourage their state and local governments to allocate a substantial portion of their revenues to affordable housing delivery, pointing out that PPPs alone cannot deliver affordable housing for the majority of Nigerians, given that the high costs of private-sector construction financing drive up prices as developers payment of the loan is double-digit.
Dangiwa also affirmed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the World Bank, has introduced a new compensation framework for individuals affected by land acquisition. This updated system according to the Minister, addresses the 18-year gap in compensation policy, ensuring fair and equitable recompense for those impacted by infrastructure and housing development projects.
He cited some examples under the revised rates for matured trees in the North Central Zone as follows; i. Cashew which increased from N2,000 per matured stand to N45,000 and N5.5M for a hectare, ii. Mango increased from N4,000 per matured stand to N105,000 and N13M per hectare and iii. Cocoa also increased from N3,000 per matured stand to N160,000 and N160M per hectare.
In his address, the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, urged Council to come up with policies that could make mortgage options more accessible, promote eco-friendly local materials, and create incentives for private investment if Nigeria must make advances in sustainable development, adding that streamlining land administration processes and continuous innovation in construction materials as well as techniques were essential to realising a shared vision of affordable housing for all Nigerians.
Yahaya also emphasised actionable plans towards achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estate for all citizens, reminding participants that all deliberations at the council should be backed up with actions.
Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Abiante Awaji, drew the attention of participants to how rapid urbanization is transforming Nigerian cities, urging them to consider adopting climate-resilient designs and structures that protect Nigerian citizens.
Awaji added that Climate-resilient urban development safeguards people and their investments by incorporating sustainable building materials, energy-efficient designs, and green spaces that manage heat and promote biodiversity.