Strategies for resolving land ownership disputes in Abuja – ESV Aleoghena Fatima

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV Fatima Aleoghena said there are strategies for resolving land ownership disputes in Abuja
ESV Aleoghena stated this in Abuja yesterday.

She said that Abuja as Nigeria’s Capital, faces significant land ownership disputes, often stemming from unclear titles, overlapping ownerships, and inadequate documentations. She mentioned some strategies for resolving these disputes such as : Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): In Abuja, the Courts should rather use mediation and arbitration to settle disputes, reducing litigation backlog, Land Regularization: The FCT Administration’s regularization program has helped clarify ownership and reduce disputes. Such Titling and Documention can prevent disputes as to ownership of land titles such as Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assigment, and Survey plan, Community Engagement: Involving local communities in land management decisions has fostered cooperation and reduced conflicts.

Others are Technology Integration: Leverage of technologies like blockchain geospatial mapping initiative enhances transparency and efficiency in land transactions,
Revocation and compesation: The government can revoke a right of occupancy for overriding public interest but they must provid adequate compensation.

Ground Rent Enforcement: Ownership can be lost if property owners failed to pay required land charges such as Ground Rent or Violation fees and
Successful implementation of these strategies requires collaboration between government agencies, communities, and stakeholders.