Despite Nigeria’s vast landmass of over 900,000 square kilometres, land is becoming increasingly difficult to access and use effectively. The problem, according to Professor Bamidele Ogunleye, lies not in physical shortage but in poor governance, insecure tenure, weak institutions, and inequitable distribution.
Ogunleye, a Professor of Urban Land Use, Housing and Spatial Analysis at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), raised the concerns during the university’s 185th inaugural lecture held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium. His lecture, themed “Land: Abundant Yet Scarce,” highlighted Nigeria’s paradox of abundance amid scarcity.
The don described land as the “bedrock of every modern economy,” stressing that no activity—whether agriculture, housing, commerce, or infrastructure—takes place without it. Yet, in Nigeria, land has become a source of exclusion, conflict, and inefficiency due to overlapping tenure systems, speculative markets, compulsory acquisitions without fair compensation, and socio-cultural barriers that limit access for women and youth.
He observed that farmlands are being rapidly converted into residential and industrial estates, displacing communities and threatening food security. Citing projections from the National Bureau of Statistics, he warned that Nigeria’s urban population is expected to exceed 56 percent by 2035, with household sizes averaging more than five persons, thereby intensifying competition for land.
Ogunleye argued that scarcity in Nigeria is less about physical deficiency and more about governance and accessibility. His research in Akure showed land values have consistently risen over 15 years, especially in low-density areas, underscoring its wealth-creating potential but also the risks of speculation. He added that land is not only an economic asset but also a cultural and communal trust that should be managed sustainably for future generations.
To reverse the trend, he called for transparent and affordable land titling, harmonisation of statutory and customary tenure systems, decentralised land administration using GIS and blockchain, inclusive planning, fair compensation for displaced groups, and gender-sensitive policies. He also proposed a national land observatory to gather real-time data for effective planning and conflict resolution.
The professor further stressed that government, traditional leaders, civil society, and private actors must collaborate to ensure fair and sustainable land management. According to him, “land in Nigeria is not neutral; it embodies values, equity, and future direction. It can either perpetuate exclusion and conflict or serve as a foundation for peace and shared prosperity.”
In her remarks, FUTA Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, commended the lecturer for his depth of scholarship and practical solutions. She urged policymakers and development partners to take the recommendations seriously, noting that they offer actionable pathways to improve land governance and unlock its potential as a driver of inclusive growth.
