Land Grabbing: Do due Diligence before Paying for Land in Rivers,  Expert Warns

A renowned expert in land disputes, Dr. Mpakaboari Jack, has sounded a warning over the dangers of land grabbing, urging prospective land buyers in Rivers State to conduct thorough research before making purchases. 

Dr. Jack, who had garnered experience in land dispute working with now Renaissance Africa Energy Company, made this call in his recently released book, “Navigating Land Disputes”.

According to Dr. Jack, many individuals and organizations fall victim to land disputes due to lack of proper research and due diligence. He advised potential land buyers to visit the Ministry of Land to verify the ownership and status of the land before making any payments.

“It is a known fact that people sell lands to different persons at different times unknown to them,” Dr. Jack said. “Others buy land that is meant for pipeline, oil and gas infrastructures without understanding the dangers involved.”

Dr. Jack’s book offers practical suggestions on how to navigate land disputes, including the need for patience and understanding of the academic, environmental, and work aspects of land ownership. 

He also called on government leaders to consider the indigenous owners of land and compensate them adequately.

“The Governor signs the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), but the land is an inheritance, people inherited the land from their forebears,” Dr. Jack said. “Suddenly, they are letting go because the Land Use Act said the Governor is the owner. It is a problem.”

The book has received commendation from many people especially,  Dr. Igo Weli, General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development for Renaissance Africa Energy Company. 

According to him, “Land is critical to development, growth, and achievement of life, but sadly, it is also a source of conflict,” Dr. Weli said. “If we can have less land disputes all over the world, it will make for a better life for all of us.”

Dr. Weli noted that land disputes can be damaging to businesses, diverting time and resources away from productive activities. He hopes that Dr. Jack’s book will provide a master key to avoiding land disputes and creating more value for everyone.

Meanwhile, Professor. Kialee Nyiayaana, a reviewer of the book, noted that it offers a detailed examination of the historical, cultural, and legal dimensions of land disputes in Nigeria. 

He added that the book highlights the impact of colonial legislation and the Land Use Act of 1978 on land rights and ownership in Nigeria.

“The book also explores customary and legal methods of land dispute resolution, emphasizing the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in managing land conflicts,” he said.