MENACE OF LAND GRABBING: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

ESV IWUOHA CHRISTOPHER IFEANYI

Land refers to the terra firma (physical land) and other things which are under, on, over and above it. It is the original and inexhaustible gift of nature. Land is scarce and of high demand for various real estate investments.

Human wants are insatiable and because they need land (which is scarce) for their various investments, tend to forcefully grab or acquire from others to achieve their aims. The practice of land grabbing is normally witnessed in developing countries. Here in Nigeria, it is more applicable in developing areas of a city.
Land grabbing refers to the illegal, forceful, or deceitful acquisition of land by individuals, groups, or powerful interests. It often involves: Forged documents, Use of violence or intimidation, Occupation of land belonging to vulnerable people, Encroachment on public or family lands, multiple sales of the same land to different persons.

Consequences of Land Grabbing; this creates insecurity, fear, prolonged court cases, intimidations, consultation of deities to harm to or kill the rightful owners, financial loss, and in extreme cases, community clashes and delay in development.

Causes of Land grabbing: this could be as a result of high demand for land due to rapid urbanization or population growth, Inaccurate or missing boundary surveys-this makes it easy for criminals to exploit loopholes.

The Government weak Land Administration Systems, Slow processes for obtaining Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) or Registered Titles, Poor record-keeping at land registries
Poverty or unemployment level makes some youths to join land-grabbing (“Igbo-Etche, Rumuagholu/Rukpokwu, Rumuosi etc in Port Harcourt”) as a source of income.

Disagreements among family members, Unclear inheritance patterns, Family/Communal Land Disputes,Unregistered communal lands gives room to third-party exploitation.

Multiple Land Sales, Unscrupulous landowners intentionally sell the same plot to several buyers to maximize profit.

Land officials, surveyors, or law enforcement personnel collaborate with land grabbers to influence documentation or protect illegal activities.
Government Inadequate Enforcement of Laws, Even when they exist they are often poorly enforced.

Consequences of Land Grabbing; Loss of investment for buyers, Violence and community unrest, Destruction of buildings already under construction, Increased cost of land due to insecurity, Reduced investor confidence, Legal battles lasting many years

Solutions to Land Grabbing; this stems from government, individual and communities Government preventive steps; Strengthening Land Administration, Full digitalization of land registries, accurate cadastral mapping (proper surveys and boundary records), Faster issuance of C of O, Governor’s Consent, and Registered Titles and prosecution of land-grabbing gangs without consequences,
Community Awareness and Education; Educate the public to conduct due diligence before land purchase, promote the use of certified surveyors and registered agents, strengthening traditional and Community Governance, clear documentation of family or communal lands
Transparent allocation systems, Recognition of rightful family heads, Professionalizing the Real Estate Sector, Standardizing agency fees and procedures.
Reducing unemployment lowers the number of young people who join land mafias.

Establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Mediation and Arbitration
Community-based conflict resolution- This reduces long court battles and avoids escalation.

Individual Preventive Steps; (For Buyers and Developers) Conduct a proper land search at the land registry, verify with the Surveyor-General’s office, Use a registered surveyor, Verify the root of title, Obtain Governor’s Consent after purchase, Avoid buying family lands without a general family consent
Summary
Developing areas with higher demand on land for various real estate investment envisages Land grabbing as a result of weak institutions, corruption, and economic factors. To drastically reduce the problem is by fostering a strong legal systems, digital reforms, community governance, and public awareness.