THE IMPACT OF LEGISLATIONS AND THE STATUTES OF LIMITATION ON LAND IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Land administration is important in the sustainable use and management of land. Despite its importance, however, the administrative structure under the Nigerian Land Use Act seems inconsistent and devoid of clarity of functions and purpose which sometimes gives rise to land disputes. This discourse examines the administrative structure under various legal instruments that touch on land such as the Land Use Act, Public Lands Acquisition Law, and the Minerals and Mining Act; focusing on its effectiveness in the light Of the general principles and policies that motivated the promulgation of these laws vis a vis the concept of ownership of land. The work will highlight and examine in detail these land laws and statutes of limitation, and their roles in land administration and management and make recommendations and conclusion. This paper adopts the doctrinal research method. It relies on the principles Of law and materials from various texts, libraries and online sources. Given the observed shortcomings and inconsistency in the administration of the laws, this paper calls for legislative intervention to review the provisions of these laws in order to make them clearer. It also recommends a uniform right of occupancy regime, single legal structure for land administration in the country and re-consideration Of the governors adjudicatory powers under the Land Use Act.