Urgent Call for Comprehensive Land Reform in Nigeria

The article emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive land reform in Nigeria, stemming from the inadequacies of the Land Use Act promulgated on March 29, 1978, during the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo. Despite being a bold reform, it has failed to achieve its objectives over 48 years, leading to prohibitive land prices that average Nigerians struggle to afford.

The current system undermines economic mobility for smallholder farmers and benefits a narrow elite, with state governors using land revenue as a tool for public expense. The article cites a PricewaterhouseCoopers report estimating that the real estate market alone holds a value between $230 billion and $750 billion, reinforcing the case for reform.

Experts recommend focusing on seven key areas, including the removal of constitutional barriers to amend the act, legal requirements for land transactions, and the establishment of a transparent land registration system. The article concludes by stating that President Bola Tinubu has a duty to advocate for a land system that serves all Nigerians, not just a select few.