Pro-Poor Land Administration for National Security and Development in Nigeria

One of the major effects of uncontrolled population growth in most developing countries including Nigeria is the pressure on accessibility to land. The consequence of this is the increasing spate of conflicts between and among communities. In Nigeria like in most African countries, the individuals have strong attachment. This is so strong that they can go to war over even the smallest dispute on land. Despite the enactment of Land use Decree of 1978, Land use decree does not address the fundamental challenges that can avert land disputes. While some people hold large parcels of land beyond what they can effectively utilize, many are denied access to land. This is the basis of tensions in several communities and is contributory to the challenges insecurity everywhere in the country. A pro-poor land administration is anchored on the thesis that no matter how poor a person may be, he should not be denied access to land as a natural resource endowment to mankind. Access to land should be guaranteed for all, thus a pro-poor land administration agenda that will curb insecurity of land tenure, conflicts and disparity in access to land among different social strata is required. This paper examines the concept of pro-poor land administration strategy and how its adoption can help mitigate conflicts on land and thereby promote human and food security in the country for national development. It concludes that the existing land administration system in Nigeria needs to be revisited to forestall impending doom over land war in the near future in Nigeria.