Nigeria's Land Use Act: Compensation Analysis and Challenges

The article provides a comparative analysis of the compensation for compulsory land acquisition under Nigeria's Land Use Act of 1978, which vests land in the state governor for public use. It critiques the limited compensation regime that often fails to meet contemporary international standards, resulting in disputes and socio-economic displacement.

The analysis draws parallels with other West African countries such as Sierra Leone, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, which generally offer more comprehensive compensation frameworks. The African Union and ECOWAS guidelines emphasize the need for prompt and fair compensation that safeguards customary land rights.

The article also mentions the reliance on market value approaches, which may overlook the deeper social and cultural significance of customary land rights, potentially impoverishing affected populations. The discussion includes references to various studies and frameworks, including those from the FAO and World Bank, to underscore the inadequacies of Nigeria's current compensation system.