As Nigeria continues to undergo rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and economic growth, Coalition for Land Rights Advocacy In Nigeria (CLARAN), a non-governmental organization, is canvassing for effective and equitable land governance systems in the country.
This, the group said has become urgent and imperative for policymakers, government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to prioritize reforms that strengthen legal frameworks, enhance institutional capacity, empower communities, promote stakeholder collaboration, and ensure transparency and accountability in land acquisition and compensation processes.
By working together and adopting inclusive, participatory approaches, the organisation said would help to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable land governance system that upholds the rights of all Nigerians and supports inclusive development.
This is not unconnected with the criticism surrounding the property marked for demolition on the Lagos – Calabar Coastal road’s right of way and compensation methods.
Speaking on “Land Acquisition and Compensation in Nigeria: Addressing Injustices, Challenges and Ensuring Equity”, a Legal Practitioner, Valuer and Chairman of CLARAN, Mr Sola Enitan, called for compensatory justice for Lagos -Calabar superhighway project’s affected parties
He said the issue of land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria has long been a topic of concern, with implications for property rights, economic development, and social justice.
In a comprehensive analysis of his paper presentation, he shed light on the complexities of this issue and proposed recommendations for reform.
“The study, authored by a team of legal scholars, land experts, and human rights advocates, delves into the legal, institutional, and socio-economic factors shaping land acquisition and compensation processes in Nigeria. Drawing on constitutional provisions, legislative frameworks, and case law, the analysis highlights key challenges and gaps in implementation, as well as opportunities for reform,” he said.
Enitan noted that land acquisition for public or private development projects remains a critical process affecting the rights and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
According to him, ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability in the process is essential for upholding property rights, promoting inclusive development, and fostering social cohesion.
He said that findings from the study showed that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Land Use Act provided the legal foundation for land acquisition and compensation. However, he explained that gaps in implementation and inconsistencies with constitutional provisions have posed challenges to effective governance.
According to him, while compensation was mandated for land acquired for public purposes, limitations in the Land Use Act restricted compensation to unexhausted improvements on the land.
“This raises concerns about fairness, equity, and constitutional compliance,” he said.
He noted that issues such as inadequate compensation, procedural shortcomings, and conflicts between stakeholders were prevalent in land acquisition processes.
“However, opportunities exist for legislative reforms, institutional capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement to address these challenges,» Enitan said.
In order to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in land acquisition and compensation processes, Enitan suggested legislative reforms to align land laws with constitutional provisions and international standards.
He also canvassed strengthening institutional capacity and resources for effective land governance and dispute resolution; enhancing community participation and stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes, and improving transparency and accountability mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating land acquisition projects.
“As Nigeria continues to undergo rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development, it is crucial to prioritize reforms that protect property rights, promote social justice, and advance sustainable development,”
The Co-author of the study, Dr Fisayo Oyedeji, a legal practitioner, said: “By working together and adopting inclusive, participatory approaches, we can build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable land governance system for the benefit of all Nigerians.
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