By Florence Onajite Adesewo
Land administration refers to the process of managing and regulating land use, ownership, and development. It involves the creation, maintenance, and dissemination of land information, with several key components forming the foundation of this system.
Key Components of Land Administration
Land registration is crucial for recording ownership and rights to land. Surveying helps to measure and map land boundaries accurately. Land use planning ensures that development is sustainable and beneficial to all stakeholders. Valuation is necessary to determine the economic value of land, particularly for taxation, compensation, and investment purposes. Finally, dispute resolution mechanisms help address and settle conflicts related to land ownership, usage, and development.
Objectives of Land Administration
The objectives of land administration are broad and impactful. One of the primary goals is to provide secure land tenure, offering certainty and protection for landowners and users. Efficient land use is encouraged to promote sustainable development and urban planning. Transparency and accountability are vital in land transactions and decision-making, reducing the potential for corruption. A well-managed land system also underpins economic growth by creating a stable and attractive environment for investment.
Benefits of Effective Land Administration
When effectively implemented, land administration significantly reduces disputes by clearly defining and securing land rights. It also encourages investment by providing a transparent and predictable environment for investors. Improved planning supports sustainable urban and rural development, while efficient land management contributes to enhanced food security by promoting agricultural productivity.
Land Administration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
The Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria operates under a distinctive land administration framework shaped by national laws and policies. Governed by the Federal Capital Territory Act of 1976, land in the FCT is owned by the Federal Government. Administration is overseen by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), with the Minister of the FCT serving as its chair.
Key Institutions Involved
Several institutions play vital roles in land administration within the FCT. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) handles land allocation and general management. The Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) provides a digital platform for managing land-related information, including mapping, surveying, and registration services. Additionally, the Land Use and Allocation Committee is responsible for allocating land to individuals and organizations.
Challenges in FCT Land Administration
The administration of land in the FCT faces several challenges across multiple dimensions:
Institutional Challenges:
A weak institutional framework, including inadequate staffing and limited resources, hinders effective administration. Overlapping roles among ministries and agencies lead to confusion and inefficiency. Poor coordination among stakeholders — including government bodies, developers, and local communities — contributes to delays and disputes.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges:
Many existing laws and regulations are outdated, inadequate, or conflicting, creating confusion and undermining confidence. Inconsistent implementation of policies often results in arbitrary decisions and unequal treatment. The lack of clear and standardized guidelines opens the door to corruption and procedural ambiguities.
Operational Challenges:
The land allocation process is often manual and lacks transparency, enabling corrupt practices. Access to accurate and current land information is limited, which negatively affects planning and decision-making. Furthermore, the absence of essential infrastructure such as roads and utilities diminishes land value and usability.
Social and Economic Challenges:
Conflicts over land ownership and usage create significant social tensions. Land distribution remains inequitable, with certain groups enjoying disproportionate access and benefits. Additionally, inefficient administration restricts economic opportunities, stifling investment, employment, and revenue generation.
Technological Challenges:
The adoption of modern technology is still limited, particularly in areas such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Land Information Systems (LIS). Inadequate data management and restricted access to reliable information slow down processes and create room for corruption.
Professional Recommendations for Optimizing Land Administration
To overcome these challenges and enhance land administration in the FCT, a set of professional recommendations is proposed:
Digitizing land records is fundamental. A comprehensive digital registry would improve transparency, efficiency, and data accuracy. Streamlining the land allocation process through automation would curb corruption, accelerate procedures, and promote fairness. Infrastructure development should be prioritized to increase land usability and value.
Capacity building is another critical area. Training programs for government officials, land surveyors, and the general public would enhance professionalism and knowledge across the board. Lastly, fostering active stakeholder engagement — involving government bodies, the private sector, and communities — would promote inclusivity and sustainable practices in land governance.
Adopting these recommendations would enable the Federal Capital Territory to establish a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable land administration system. Such a system would not only bolster economic development but also foster social equity and environmental sustainability, ultimately creating a stronger foundation for national growth and prosperity.
- ESV. Florence Onajite Adesewo ANIVS, RSV writes from Abuja