Land acquisition and real estate disputes pose significant challenges in Lagos State, driven by speculation, corruption, and deficiencies in land governance. These issues have resulted in widespread insecurity, displacement of lawful landowners, and substantial economic setbacks. To address these complexities, it is imperative to enhance land governance and registration procedures, establish efficient conflict resolution mechanisms, and clarify the enforcement’s role in preventing land encroachment.
Underlying Causes of Land Acquisition and Real Estate Disputes
- Inadequate Land Governance: Poor record-keeping and opacity in land ownership status are contributing factors to disputes.
- Insufficient Documentation: Scarce or falsified documentation facilitates land encroachment.
- Lack of Effective Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: The absence of streamlined and equitable resolution processes exacerbates tensions.
Impacts of Land Acquisition and Real Estate Disputes
- Insecurity: Land conflicts breed violence, coercion, and property destruction.
- Forced Displacement of Lawful Landowners: Unlawful eviction and occupation of land by encroachers.
- Economic Setbacks: Disruption of commercial activities, loss of investments, and diminished economic progress.
Potential Remedies
- Enhancing Land Governance and Registration Processes: Implementing digital land registries, ensuring transparency, and facilitating public access to information.
- Efficient Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Introducing alternative dispute resolution avenues such as mediation and arbitration.
- Enforcement Role in Preventing Land Encroachment: Collaborating with law enforcement entities to investigate and prosecute land encroachers.
The Lagos State Government has initiated measures to combat land encroachment by establishing the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Encroachers.
This task force is dedicated to safeguarding possessory rights in lands, prohibiting forcible entry, and unlawful occupation of properties. By comprehending the root causes and repercussions of land acquisition and real estate disputes, we can strive towards effective solutions that foster tranquillity, stability, and economic prosperity in Lagos State.
ESV LOJEDE OLASENI OLAGBEMI ANIVS
