THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE LAND USE ACT ON PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Land Use Act of 1978 is an instrument regulating the use of property(land) in Nigeria, with each state having its law on property. The legal term for property development refers to the process of acquiring land, planning, designing, constructing and eventually setting buildings on the land, whether for residential, commercial or industrial use, essentially by transforming raw land into developed property for occupation and profit. It encompasses all aspects, from land acquisition to construction completion and sale. This research uses a doctrinal approach which involves historical analysis, comparative and descriptive methodology in its findings. Chapter one covers the introduction of the work, chapter two encompasses the conceptual theoretical framework and literature review, chapter three streamlined the legal regime and institutional framework, chapter four examines the legal framework and its Impact on land tenure, property development, and finance in Nigeria, and lastly, chapter five deals with the conclusion of the work. This research tends to examine the impact of the Land Use Act on land development, administration and management, various laws that govern property law in Nigeria, and the approach to court in cases relating to land development in both rural and urban areas of the country, the remedies sort on erroneous development of land. This study also reveals the issue of ownership, allocation, utilization and potential conflicts arising from the Act’s implementation, including inefficient land administration practice in Nigeria, inadequate land use planning, challenges in acquiring land for development in Nigeria, disputes over customary land right and environmental concerns associated with land development in rural areas, while highlighting potential solutions to address these legal issues through proper policy adjustments, improved regulatory frameworks, community and customary engagement strategies.