From Our Housing Stand (149)
Real estate should be a vehicle for economic growth and stability, yet in Nigeria, it has become a battleground for land speculation, fraudulent acquisitions, and legal battles. The so-called “land grab syndrome”—where individuals, corporations, and even government officials acquire land through dubious means—has created a hostile environment for genuine investors and aspiring homeowners. From forced evictions to shady land allocations, the industry is plagued by greed, corruption, and legal uncertainties that stifle progress.
The Business of Stolen Land
Land grabbing has evolved into a well-oiled machine, driven by a mix of traditional rulers, rogue government officials, and unscrupulous developers. These actors exploit legal loopholes, forge documents, and sometimes use brute force to seize lands that are either communal, under legal dispute, or already owned by unsuspecting buyers. In Lagos, Abuja, and major cities, entire communities have been displaced overnight, only to see their ancestral lands transformed into luxury estates or commercial hubs without proper compensation.
The trend is even worse in rural areas, where multinational corporations, in partnership with corrupt local officials, acquire massive plots of land under the guise of “agricultural development” or “infrastructure projects.” These deals, often sealed in secrecy, leave local farmers landless and powerless, with no legal recourse.
The Legal Labyrinth
Nigeria’s land tenure system, rooted in the Land Use Act of 1978, was meant to streamline land ownership and ensure equitable access. However, in practice, it has done the opposite. Governors hold absolute control over land allocation, making the process vulnerable to political manipulation and favoritism.
Land disputes now clog Nigeria’s courts, with cases dragging on for decades. Fraudsters take advantage of weak record-keeping systems to sell the same plot of land to multiple buyers, leading to legal chaos. The infamous omo onile (land grabbers) in Lagos, for example, operate a parallel land economy where they extort money from buyers even after a legitimate purchase has been made.
Who Pays the Price?
Ultimately, it is the average Nigerian who suffers. Genuine land buyers are forced to navigate a minefield of extortion, multiple taxation, and legal bottlenecks just to secure their property. Many have lost life savings to fraudulent land deals, while others have seen their homes demolished due to improper documentation.
Investors, both local and foreign, are also discouraged. With no guarantee of land security, many opt to take their capital elsewhere, robbing Nigeria of much-needed development and job creation.
The Way Forward
If Nigeria is serious about solving its housing crisis and boosting real estate investment, it must address the land grab epidemic. The government needs to:
- Reform the Land Use Act – The power of governors over land allocation must be checked to prevent political abuse and corruption.
- Digitize Land Records – A central, tamper-proof digital land registry would help eliminate fraud and multiple sales of the same property.
- Strengthen Land Rights Protection – Laws must be enforced to ensure that individuals and communities are not unfairly displaced.
- Prosecute Land Grabbers – Until fraudulent land dealings carry real consequences, the problem will persist.
Nigeria’s real estate sector cannot thrive in an environment of lawlessness and uncertainty. The government, judiciary, and private sector must take bold steps to clean up the system and restore confidence in land ownership. Until then, the dream of homeownership will remain just a dream.
