It is indeed shameful that the problem of land grabbing and its attendant desperation, leading to high criminality including murder, has been allowed to fester, with various state governments only attending occasionally to crises generated over land; and even then, after huge casualties have been recorded. This lethargic approach does not portray government in a responsible light, more so when the law, specifically the Land Use Act, vests ownership and control of land on state governors.
According to housing experts, the rampant nature of the activities of land grabbers has led to a rise in the housing deficit in the country, as a significant portion of land is said to be in the hands of these land bullies. Citizens who dare to invest in land, in the hope of building houses are often frustrated and left without compensation or intervention by the government.
To avoid indiscriminate sales, transfers or leases, the Act provides for proper documentation, such that central data is managed for land allocation. The Certificate of Occupancy to be issued by the governor is to be the only instrument that confers ownership and proof. Where the government encroaches on land to override public interest, the Act recommends fair compensation to owners.
Some states have found other ways to combat the menace posed by land grabbers. In Lagos and Ogun states where illegal activities of land grabbers are more prevalent, the governments have made bye-laws to intervene. The Lagos government has the Property Protection Law of 2016 while the Ogun government has the Prohibition of Forcible Occupation of Landed Properties, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Cultism and Other Anti-Violent and Related Offences Law, also of 2016.
State governments as well as the Federal Government should promptly pay compensation to land owners as provided in the Land Use Act. Delay in payment of compensation often compels owners to resort to self-help. Let governments lead by example. The General Manager of Pharma Sales and Marketing at May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Obinna Sydney Emeribe, said the company is optimistic about its growth trajectory and targeting N27 billion in revenue for 2024.
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