The land tenure system in Nigeria has evolved over centuries, with various changes and innovations

introduced in recent times. Here is a brief overview of the history of Nigeria's land tenure system and
notable innovations:

1. Pre-Colonial Era: Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Nigeria had diverse land tenure systems based on
customary laws. Communities had communal land ownership, where land was collectively owned and
managed by the community, and rights to use the land were granted to individuals or families based on
inheritance or allocation by the community leaders.

2. British Colonial Rule (19th-20th century): The British colonial administration introduced the concept of
individual land ownership, aiming to establish a more centralized and structured system. They enacted
various land laws, such as the Land Tenure Law of 1918 and Land Use Act of 1978, which significantly
influenced the modern land tenure system in Nigeria.

3. Land Use Act of 1978: One of the most significant innovations in recent times is the Land Use Act. It
consolidated the power of land administration under state governors, who became the trustees of all
urban and rural lands in their respective states. The Act vested all lands in the governor, making land
acquisition and allocation subject to the government's control.

4. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): The introduction of the certificate of occupancy by the Land Use Act
was another innovative development. A C of O is a legal document issued by the government, giving the
holder the right to use and occupy the land for a specified period. This document provides a level of
security and encourages investment in real estate.

5. Land Regularization: In recent times, some state governments in Nigeria have introduced land
regularization programs to address issues of informal land ownership and the proliferation of illegal
structures. These programs aim to regularize existing land rights, especially in urban areas, by granting
valid titles to landholders.

6. Digital Land Administration: The increasing use of technology has brought some innovative changes to
Nigeria's land tenure system. Several states have implemented digital land administration systems,
making land records, mapping, and processing of land documents more efficient and transparent. This
has improved land management and reduced the incidences of fraud.
7. Communal Land Governance: In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance
of traditional and community-based land governance systems. Efforts are being made to integrate
customary land rights into formal legal frameworks, ensuring that community members have a voice in
land decisions and enabling sustainable land management practices.

Overall, Nigeria's land tenure system has undergone significant transformations over time. The
introduction of the Land Use Act, certificate of occupancy, digital land administration systems, and the
recognition of communal land governance are some of the notable innovations in recent times. These
changes aim to provide secure land rights, streamline land administration processes, and ensure
sustainable land use in Nigeria.