From David Hassan, Gombe
The minister of lands and urban development Arch Ahed Musa Dangiwa reiterated the federal government’s commitment to partner with the world bank to modernize land administration in the country by developing National land digital system.
Dangiwa made this known while meeting with states commissioners, during the 13th National Council on Housing, Lands and Urban Development in Gombe, on Thursday.
He opined that the digital initiative will solve the long standing challenges currently faced in land registration, as well as boost economic activity and enhance property rights protection, with a goal of increasing formal land transactions from less than 10% to over 50% within a decade.
Also, the minister explained that with this decision, it will tackle the challenges obstructing land registration in the country, adding that both parties frame work will achieved it’s desire goal.
While addressing states commissioners on lands and urban development, Dangiwa said the system will serve as a comprehensive, accessible digital registry, that will enable Nigerians to verify land ownership by securing its efficiency also affirmed that it will enhance transparency and also reduce fraud, the NDLS will increase investor confidence and unlock up to $300 billion in untapped economic potentials related to land and property.
He equally informed the participants at the Council meeting to work with State Governments to register, document, and title all land parcels, clarifying and securing land ownership to unlock development and investment.
“Currently, over 90% of the country’s land remains unregistered, representing an estimated $300 billion in untapped capital,” he said.
He emphasized that transparent land administration would enhance property rights, reduce conflicts, and encourage sustainable land use practices, which together foster a stable environment for economic activities.
According to him, Africa now has an Africa Urban Forum, which was recently held this year in Addis Ababa, noting that all African Member Countries, including Nigeria at the forum, agreed to organize an Annual National Urban Forum in the declaration.
Furthermore, the minister who emphasised on the importance of collaboration among federal, states and local government, to transform urban spaces for the benefit of Nigerians, also directed delegates to begin the process of domesticating Africa Urban Forum in Nigeria by organising Annual National Urban Forum in line with the Addis Ababa declaration, where leaders and professionals in the housing sector will meet to discuss Nigeria’s Urban Agenda for Nigeria.
“Our desire goal is to provide a framework that guides long term sustainable growth, addressing not only housing and infrastructure needs but also creating the foundation for economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities”, he stated.
Dangiwa disclosed that the Ministry is working tirelessly which he said have constructed over 10,000 housing units across 14 locations nationwide with a view to deliver it’s mandate in accelerating housing delivery to the middle and high-income earners.
“We have also acquired land in Enugu and Borno for the development of 2,000-unit Renewed Hope Cities under a PPP arrangement.
“Planned locations for additional cities include Nasarawa and Rivers States with 2000 units each, respectively.
“Our goal is to establish at least one Renewed Hope City in each geo-political zone and the FCT”, Dangiwa revealed.
The Minister urged all Commissioners to encourage their state and local governments to allocate a substantial portion of their revenues to affordable housing delivery, pointing out that PPPs alone cannot deliver affordable housing for the majority of Nigerians, given that the high costs of private-sector construction financing drive up prices as developers payment of loan is double digit.
Dangiwa also affirmed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the World Bank, has introduced a new compensation framework for individuals affected by land acquisition.
This updated system, according to the Minister, addresses the 18-year gap in compensation policy, ensuring fair and equitable recompense for those impacted by infrastructure and housing development projects.
He sited some examples under the revised rates for matured trees in the North Central Zone as follows; i. Cashew which increased from N2,000 per matured stand to N45,000 and N5.5M for a hectare, ii. Mango increased from N4,000 per matured stand to N105,000 and N13M per hectare and iii. Cocoa which also increased from N3,000 per matured stand to N160,000 and N160M per hectare.
In his address, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, also urged Council to come up with policies that could make mortgage options more accessible, promote eco-friendly local materials, and create incentives for private investment if Nigeria must make advances in sustainable development, adding that streamlining land administration processes and continuous innovation in construction materials as well as techniques were essential to realizing a shared vision of affordable housing for all Nigerians.
Yahaya also emphasized that plans towards achieving president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estate for all citizens, reminding participants that all deliberations at the council should be backed up with actions.
