Land Grabbing and Unscrupulous Activities in Nigeria: The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors

and Valuers has revealed that the complicated procedures involved in obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy or governor’s consent has contributed to land grabbing, racketeering, and other fraudulent activities

affecting the sector. The President of the institution, Johnbull Amayaevbo, made the statement at

the institute’s maiden award ceremony held in Abuja.

Amayaevbo called for the repeal of the Land Use Act of 1978 and its removal from the constitution

to allow for a speedy review. He noted that the act’s cumbersome procedures had hampered

developmental efforts by private investors, making it difficult to provide housing and infrastructure in the country.

According to reports, land grabbing, illegal development, and online housing scams have been on

the rise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading concerned stakeholders to call on the FCT Minister

to declare a state of emergency on land racketeering.

Land Grabbing and Unscrupulous Activities in Nigeria: the emphasize

The institute’s president emphasized that housing was still a critical challenge in Nigeria, and its provision,

delivery, infrastructure, social service provision, and public service challenges were surmountable.

He called for the review of the Land Use Act in light of the current situation, noting that the circumstances and factors that justified its enactment in 1978 had changed over the last 45 years.

Amayaevbo explained that the Act’s review was necessary to ensure that it aligns with present realities,

as the act has been a barrier to private investment in the sector. He cited the cumbersome procedures in obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy or Governor’s Consent, which has given room for sharp and unscrupulous practices such as land grabbing, racketeering, and housing scams.

the president

The institute’s president proposed that the Act be removed from the Constitution to allow for a speedy review, emphasizing the need to make land acquisition procedures more transparent and efficient. He also called on the government to engage with private investors in the sector and create policies that would encourage investment in the sector.