ABSTRACT
The contract sale of land in Nigeria is governed by a complex legal framework that includes statutory provisions, common law principles, and regulatory oversight by government agencies. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and procedural aspects of land sales in Nigeria, analyzing the challenges, regulatory bottlenecks, and potential reforms required for a more efficient and transparent process.
Key findings indicate that the Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in land transactions, but its requirements, particularly the necessity of obtaining the Governor’s consent, often lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and delays. Other identified challenges include fraudulent sales, multiple transactions on the same property, the lack of a centralized land registry, and weak enforcement of property rights. The study also highlights the underutilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in resolving land disputes.
To address these issues, the research recommends reforms such as the digitization of land registries, streamlining the Governor’s consent process, strengthening legal enforcement, and promoting ADR methods. Future research should explore the role of technology, particularly blockchain and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in improving land transactions and ensuring greater transparency.
The study concludes that legal reforms and digital transformation are essential for a secure and efficient land sale process in Nigeria. Implementing these changes will foster investor confidence, reduce fraud, and enhance the overall effectiveness of land administration in the country.
