The Federal Government has launched the Land4Growth Programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s land administration system and unlocking over $150 billion in dormant land capital. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, revealed that the current system leaves less than 5% of land formally titled, resulting in individuals living on lands without secure proof of ownership and billions of naira in potential Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) remaining untapped for state governments.
The Land4Growth Programme seeks to turn land into a productive engine for prosperity, driving economic growth and development across the country. Its objectives include securing land rights for individuals, communities, and businesses, unlocking land’s economic potential as a driver of credit, investment, and housing delivery, and increasing states’ IGR through vibrant, formal land markets and efficient property taxation. The programme aims to increase formal registration of land titles by at least 50% within 10 years and deploy standardized, interoperable Land Information Systems (LIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The programme will be led by the states, supported federally and coordinated nationally, respecting the constitutional authority of state governments over land. Dangiwa assured state governments that they will maintain full decision-making power on land matters, with support from partners like the World Bank to ease financial pressure through funding, training, and technical assistance. The programme is expected to benefit citizens and states by securing land titles, improving access to credit, reducing disputes, and enhancing property values. Modernized records will also boost IGR, attract investment, and enable better urban planning for states.
The initial phase of the programme will focus on 18 to 20 reform-ready states, targeting the issuance of over one million digital titles and the training of more than 2,000 professionals. This will be supported by LIS and GIS deployment, a National Land Information Repository, and a Harmonized Land Governance Structure to simplify processes, cut transaction times, and boost transparency. According to Dangiwa, the programme will be a foundation for sustainable housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic growth on the national level.
The Land4Growth Programme has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy by unlocking dormant land capital and promoting economic growth and development. With its comprehensive approach and focus on transparency and efficiency, the programme is expected to benefit individuals, communities, and businesses across the country. As the programme progresses, it is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape, driving growth and prosperity for generations to come.
