Land Use Act, 1978
The
Land Use Act, 1978 is the principal legislation regulating land ownership, administration, and management in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Promulgated to harmonize and streamline land tenure systems across the federation, the Act vests all land in each State (excluding land vested in the Federal Government or its agencies) in the Governor, to be held in trust for the common benefit of all Nigerians.
The Act governs the rights of occupancy, land allocation, revocation, compensation, and the procedures for obtaining statutory and customary rights of occupancy. It remains a critical instrument in matters relating to real estate transactions, land development, public acquisition, and land dispute resolution.
This statute is essential for legal practitioners, real estate professionals, surveyors, developers, landowners, and government institutions involved in land administration and regulation.
