FG, World Bank Partner to launch National Land Digital System
The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, is advancing efforts to modernize land administration through the development of a National Land Digital System (NLDS).
This new digital system is intended to optimize land transactions, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accessibility across the nation.
This announcement was made by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, at the 13th National Council on Housing, Lands, and Urban Development in Gombe State.
During the meeting with State Commissioners for lands and housing, Dangiwa emphasized the benefits of the NLDS, noting that the digital platform will address long-standing challenges in land registration while boosting economic activity and strengthening property rights.
According to him, the system aims to increase formal land transactions from less than 10% to over 50% within the next decade.
Dangiwa explained that this initiative would create a comprehensive digital registry, enabling Nigerians to verify land ownership more securely and efficiently.
“By increasing transparency and reducing fraud, the NLDS will enhance investor confidence and potentially unlock up to $300 billion in untapped economic value related to land and property,” he stated, disclosing that operational framework and investment commitments for the NLDS are currently being finalized.
In his address, Dangiwa reiterated the government’s commitment to working with state governments to register, document, and title all land parcels across Nigeria.
He highlighted that over 90% of the country’s land remains unregistered, representing significant unrealized capital. “By ensuring clarity, security, and accessibility in land ownership, we’re setting a foundation for increased investment, both domestic and international,” Dangiwa said, emphasizing that transparent land administration will promote property rights, reduce conflicts, and encourage sustainable land practices.
On rapid urbanization, the Minister referenced the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP), currently awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which aims to create resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities across Nigeria.
Dangiwa also informed participants that African nations, including Nigeria, recently committed to organizing an Annual National Urban Forum as part of the Africa Urban Forum initiative. He encouraged federal, state, and local government collaboration to transform Nigeria’s urban areas, beginning with the domestic establishment of the National Urban Forum.
“Our goal is to provide a framework for sustainable growth that addresses housing and infrastructure needs, while creating economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities,” he remarked.
In addressing Nigeria’s housing shortage, Dangiwa announced the Ministry’s plans to construct over 10,000 housing units across 14 locations through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), mainly targeting middle- and high-income earners.
He shared that land has been acquired in Enugu and Borno for the development of 2,000-unit “Renewed Hope Cities” under PPP arrangements, with additional sites planned for Nasarawa and Rivers States.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing for low-income Nigerians, urging state and local governments to prioritize affordable housing investments.
He pointed out that while PPPs play a critical role, private-sector construction financing costs are too high to deliver affordable housing for the majority of Nigerians.
Additionally, Dangiwa announced a new compensation framework for individuals affected by land acquisition. Developed in collaboration with the World Bank, this framework addresses an 18-year gap in Nigeria’s compensation policy.
Under the new rates, compensation for mature trees has been significantly increased—for example, the rate for cashew trees in the North Central Zone has risen from N2,000 to N45,000 per mature stand, and cocoa from N3,000 to N160,000.
Gombe State Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in his address, urged the Council to create policies that make mortgages more accessible, promote eco-friendly materials, and incentivize private investment to drive sustainable development. Yahaya emphasized that innovations in construction materials and techniques are essential for achieving affordable housing.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Abiante Awaji, Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, urged participants to prioritize climate-resilient urban development.
He highlighted that using sustainable building materials, energy-efficient designs, and green spaces will safeguard citizens and their investments amid Nigeria’s rapid urbanization.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development chairs the Council of Commissioners for lands and housing across Nigeria’s 36 states.
UMAR S FADA
