The Politics of Land Allocation: Who Really Owns the City?

ESV Omisore Olusegun Johnson,

Across many developing countries including Nigeria cities are not simply shaped by architecture, population growth, or market forces. They are shaped by politics. Decisions around land allocation determine who gets access to prime urban spaces, who is pushed to the margins, and ultimately, who has the power to build wealth. When viewed closely, the question is not just about land distribution; it is about control, influence, and whose interests drive urban development. So, who really owns the city?
In theory, land belongs to the people, held in trust by the government. In practice, however, land allocation has become one of the most politicised and opaque aspects of governance. Those with political connections, financial power, or insider access often secure large parcels of prime land in city centres, while ordinary citizens navigate endless bureaucratic hurdles. This imbalance creates an urban landscape where the wealthy consolidate property ownership and the poor struggle to find affordable housing.
Political influence plays a major role in determining which developers receive land for major projects. Large estates, luxury apartments, and commercial hubs frequently rise on lands allocated through channels that are far from transparent. Meanwhile, land meant for public amenities schools, parks, markets, hospitals is sometimes diverted for private use. This distortion fuels inequality and undermines the idea that cities exist to serve the collective good.

The consequences are far-reaching. When land allocation favours elites, informal settlements expand on the outskirts, where residents lack basic infrastructure. Urban planning becomes reactive instead of strategic, and cities grow in chaotic, uneven patterns. The result is a dual city: one part modern, serviced, and exclusive; the other overcrowded, underdeveloped, and ignored by planners. This deepens social divides and fuels resentment among citizens who feel excluded from the benefits of urban development.
The politics of land allocation also affects businesses. Entrepreneurs especially small and medium enterprises face hurdles in securing commercial space at reasonable costs. Without fair access to land, many promising ventures struggle to scale. Investors, too, are discouraged by inconsistent land policies, unclear titles, and the risk of politically induced disputes.

Who owns the city, then? In many cases, ownership tilts toward those who control political structures, land registries, planning authorities, and traditional institutions. This concentration of power means that land one of the most valuable economic assets becomes a tool for political patronage rather than a resource for inclusive development.

To reclaim the city for all, land governance must be transparent, digitised, and accountable. Modern land registries, clear titling systems, strict enforcement of land-use laws, and public participation in urban planning are essential. Governments must prioritise affordable housing, protect public land, and ensure that allocations reflect community needs rather than political calculations.

Cities thrive when everyone has a fair stake in them. Until land allocation becomes equitable and transparent, the question of who really owns the city will continue to expose the deep political struggles shaping our urban future and remind us that cities, at their core, should belong to all who live in them.