By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
In a transformative step to modernize Nigeria’s land administration, the Federal Government has partnered with the World Bank to develop a National Land Digital System (NLDS). This initiative, announced by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and accessibility to land transactions nationwide.
The announcement was made during the 13th National Council on Housing, Lands, and Urban Development meeting in Gombe, and highlighted in a press release signed by Salisu Badamasi Haiba, Director of Press and Public Relations.
The NLDS is expected to tackle persistent challenges in land registration, boost economic activity, and strengthen property rights. The goal is to increase formal land transactions from under 10% to over 50% within the next decade, unlocking up to $300 billion in economic potential tied to land assets.
Dangiwa underscored the government’s commitment to work closely with states to document and title land parcels, clarifying ownership to encourage investment and development. “Currently, over 90% of Nigeria’s land remains unregistered, representing an estimated $300 billion in untapped capital,” he noted, emphasizing how the NLDS will enhance investor confidence by reducing fraud and ensuring transparent transactions.
In response to Nigeria’s rapid urbanization, Dangiwa introduced the forthcoming National Urban Development Policy (NUDP), designed to create climate-resilient and inclusive cities across the country. He encouraged delegates to establish an Annual National Urban Forum, following the Addis Ababa declaration, to address sustainable urban development.
Regarding housing, Dangiwa highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives, including the construction of over 10,000 housing units and the development of Renewed Hope Cities through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Planned projects include additional housing developments in Enugu, Borno, Nasarawa, and Rivers States, aiming to establish at least one Renewed Hope City in each geopolitical zone.
The Minister also urged state and local governments to increase funding for affordable housing, as PPPs alone cannot meet the demand for low-income housing, given the high costs of private-sector financing. Additionally, Dangiwa announced a new compensation framework for those affected by land acquisition, revising an 18-year-old policy to ensure fair rates for key crops like cashew, mango, and cocoa.
In their remarks, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and Hon. Abiante Awaji, Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Development, supported these initiatives. They stressed the need for accessible mortgages, climate-resilient planning, and eco-friendly materials to create a sustainable and affordable housing environment in Nigeria.
The Council, chaired by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, includes the 36 States’ Commissioners responsible for lands and housing, marking a collaborative effort to reshape Nigeria’s housing and urban development landscape.