Enhancing Land Governance in Nigeria through Land Pooling and Readjustment Options

Abstract

This article examines advocacy for the introduction of Land Pooling and Readjustment (LPR) in Lagos in the bid to boost development in the urban fringes, leading to a reduction of tensions between the state and customary landowners over land acquisition matters. The article adopted a qualitative approach involving the snowball technique as it assesses narratives
supplied by land bureau officials and members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), who are directly involved with compensation valuation. The interview excerpts reflect professionals’ dissatisfaction over developments in the built environment, especially regarding compulsory land acquisition. It is noted that LRP is a viable alternative strategy for anticipating or checking the conflicts often associated with project abandonment after land acquisition. Governments are therefore implored to adopt the LPR approach as a way to secure popular support for infrastructural development initiatives, thus reducing compensation burdens and increasing government revenue through betterment tax and neighbourhood improvement tax. The recommended advocacy approach should involve community development associations, traditional heads and the local governments.