National Land Policy (2023 Edition).

The National Land Policy is a comprehensive document that reviews the 1995 National Land Policy. It aims to lay the foundation for industrial economic growth, promote good governance, reduce poverty, and make a significant contribution to national income. This revision addresses unfulfilled objectives of the 1995 policy while integrating new goals and cross-cutting issues to enhance land sector governance and efficiency. The revised policy primarily seeks to: (i) improve land ownership and management for equitable access and safeguard government land; (ii) promote transparency in land acquisition and revocation; (iii) strengthen land registration and transaction systems; (iv) enhance tenure security for sustainable agricultural, pastoral, and (v) fisheries land use; and (vi) facilitate sustainable use of investment land. Additionally, the Policy aims to accelerate land use planning, establish a unified land records and geospatial data system, enhance participatory management of sensitive areas, strengthen dispute resolution, improve surveying and mapping, ensure secure international boundaries, establish a land market, improve compensation, promote environmentally sound land management and climate change adaptation, ensure gender equality in land rights, strengthen good governance in land administration, and continue public education on land matters.
Since the Policy's institutional objectives include improving land governance and management systems, enhancing the land sector's legal framework, strengthening operational relationships between the Government and other stakeholders, and promoting good governance, the Policy seeks to ensure that governance structures adhere to the rule of law, transparency, efficiency, accountability, predictability, inclusivity, and anti-corruption measures at all levels. This initiative also aims to enhance service delivery, particularly for low-income individuals and those residing in vulnerable environments. The Institutional Framework for Policy implementation will consist of 2 interdependent coordination structures: (1) Sectoral Ministries and Local Government Authorities, including the central Land Ministry, which sets policy, manages development, and oversees land use, surveying, and titling. Related ministries protect sector-specific land, coordinate policies, and raise awareness. Regional Secretariats support Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in land development, revenue, and dispute resolution, while specialized institutions manage real estate, professional standards, and funding. Key financial mechanisms like the Land Bank and Compensation Fund facilitate land for public and investment use; (2) Non-Sectoral Ministries, including the Prime Minister's Office, Public Service, Regional Administration, Environment, Finance, Home Affairs, Constitutional Affairs, and Foreign Affairs. They support the land sector through coordination, resource management, environmental oversight, legal enforcement, and international relations. A broad range of external stakeholders, such as public institutions, academia, the private sector, non-state actors, media, and legal professionals, also contribute to policy implementation, research, and advocacy. Development partners offer vital support, and citizens play a crucial role in land management.