The Land Use Act: Land Ownership and Utilization – Part I
The Land Use Act: Land Ownership and Utilization – Part I By Tokede Akinloluwa Introduction The Land Use Act of 1978 stands as one of the most significant and controversial pieces of legislation in Nigeria's history. Enacted during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, the Act fundamentally transformed the concept of land ownership in Nigeria by vesting all land within the territory of each state in the Governor of that state. This radical departure from traditional systems of land tenure continues to shape Nigeria's economic development, urban planning, and social structures nearly five decades after its implementation. With this article, we seek to inform you about the historical background to the Act, key provisions that you should note under the Act, and how the enactment of the Act has impacted land ownership in Nigeria. Historical Context Prior to the Land Use Act 1978, Nigeria operated under multiple land tenure systems: · In Northern Nigeria...