Federal Government Explores Public-Private Partnerships to Modernize Land Registration in Nigeria

In a move to revamp Nigeria’s outdated land administration system, the Federal Government is exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) to drive the modernization and digitization of land registration processes.

This initiative was revealed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during a workshop on the National Land Registration and Documentation Programme (NLRDP), held on March 19, 2025, in Abuja. The announcement was detailed in a statement released on the ministry’s official website.

Dangiwa emphasized that PPPs offer a strategic avenue for attracting the financial investment and technical know-how necessary for transforming land administration across the country. He noted that involving the private sector would be instrumental in rolling out reforms efficiently and at scale.

According to the Minister, fewer than 10% of lands in Nigeria are formally documented, a statistic he attributed to archaic procedures, excessive bureaucracy, and a lack of digital infrastructure. These issues have long hindered progress in the land sector, leading to inefficiencies and disputes.

To tackle these challenges, the government has set an ambitious goal of increasing formal land registration to over 50% within the next ten years. This would be achieved through the integration of digital technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and strategic partnerships with private entities.

Dangiwa also highlighted the importance of collaboration with state governments, as land management falls under their purview. Proposed plans include the establishment of a National Digital Land Information System, formal recognition of land transactions, and the incorporation of traditional land ownership systems into a more standardized and legal framework.

The Minister acknowledged the technical assistance provided by the World Bank, noting that recent assessments from the Bank would help guide the government’s next steps. He stressed that harnessing private sector resources would accelerate the digitization and reform efforts, allowing for more effective and transparent land management.

In his remarks, Dangiwa pointed to longstanding issues such as inadequate valuation data, poor registration systems, and infrastructural gaps that have hindered progress. He referenced previous reform efforts, particularly the work of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) and its 2017 Systematic Land Titling and Registration (SLTR) guidelines, which are still awaiting final approval from the National Council of State.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including state officials, World Bank representatives, and industry professionals. Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, pledged legislative support for the initiative. Additionally, Dr. Mike Ilesanmi, representing World Bank Country Director Dr. Ndiamé Diop, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting land reforms in Nigeria, stating that improved land governance could unlock substantial investment potential.

As part of the broader reform agenda, the government also plans to train and deploy land administration personnel across the country to ensure consistent and efficient implementation.

Dangiwa concluded by reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to transforming the land administration landscape, asserting that structured and digitized land systems would stimulate economic development, improve access to credit, and enhance the ease of doing business—especially in the real estate sector.