Group Calls for Mandatory Land Registration in Kwara
Kwara Must Change, a leading pro-democracy group, has proposed the establishment of a mandatory, electronically accessible and transparent land registration system to cover all territories of Kwara State.
This initiative aims to modernize land ownership, transfer processes, and management systems to promote peace, security, and governance in the state.
In a statement by the Convener of Kwara Must Change, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group expressed concern over the persistent land disputes in the state, particularly in rural areas, which has endlessly led to loss of lives and properties on annual basis.
Hamzat emphasized that the proposal is designed to permanently resolve these disputes, reduce fraud in land transactions, and provide a peacebuilding mechanism through improved land governance.
The proposed system is aligned with the Land Use Act (LUA) of 1978, which vests ownership of all land in the state in the Governor, to be held in trust for the people.
According to Hamzat, the system will generate accurate data on land ownership, improve transparency, and enhance the government’s ability to manage land resources effectively.
The proposal includes five key components:
1. Compulsory land registration: All land transactions must be registered with the government, and valid Right of Occupancy (R of O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) must be obtained for buying or selling land.
2. Notification and documentation: All land transfers must be notified and documented with the appropriate government office; otherwise, the transaction will be deemed invalid.
3. Registration of customary land: All existing customary land must be registered with the government to ensure proper documentation.
4. Reversion of unregistered land: Any land that remains unregistered after two years will automatically revert to government ownership.
5. Dispute resolution: Disputed lands between communities will be divided, unless there is a court judgment favoring one party, in which case the land will be registered in the winner’s name.
Hamzat noted that while the LUA provides for land registration, acquisition, and dispute resolution, the proposed reversion of unregistered land after two years is not fully captured by the Act. To address this, he urged the Kwara State government to enact a state law that would support this aspect and ensure effective implementation of the policy.
He further stressed that no one in the 21st century should be able to claim or sell unregistered land, and that modern land ownership practices must be reflected in the state’s legal framework.
To ensure success, Hamzat called for extensive public awareness campaigns and engagement with traditional leaders and other key stakeholders, ensuring that all segments of society understand and support the new policy.
Kwara Must Change concluded that this mandatory land registration system, along with the proposed state law, would help end land disputes, improve governance, and promote security across Kwara State.