The federal government says it has processed over 1,500 secondary transactions on its lands nationwide, saying that the development has impacted the country’s economy.
The Minister of State 1 for Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba-Shehuri, disclosed this in Abuja, recently. Baba-Shehuri also disclosed that efforts are on by the federal government to title over 2000 lands nationwide. While declaring open the 25th conference of directors\heads of lands in the federal and state ministries, department and agencies, the minister also disclosed that the ministry was working hard to strengthen the Federal Land Registry for online transactions in line with global best practices.
To this end, Baba-Shehuri unveiled the plans for the establishment of the National Land Depository for the integration of various registries in the country. According to the minister, the depository would enable prospective investors to make quick decisions regarding property investment prospects in the country.
He said: “The Ministry has successfully processed over 1500 secondary transactions on the FG lands nationwide, which are already positively impacting on the economy. We are also working hard to title over 2000 lands, thus empowering holders to raise investible funds to establish new and grow existing businesses, thereby creating value and jobs.
“On our part, we are working hard to strengthen the federal land registry for online transactions, in line with global best practices. There are also plans to establish the National Land Depository, a huge ICT-backed infrastructure for the integration of various registries in Nigeria.
“This would enable prospective investors make quick decisions regarding property investment prospects in the country”. In his address, the Director of Lands in the Ministry, and the Chairman of the conference, Rev. Olurotimi Onabanjo, lauded the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Raji Fashola, for his effort to revive the conference after 10-year break. Onabanjo, however, said: “the fact that struggles for land rights have been causing dispute and conflicts between individuals, families, communities and even states in our country, makes the conference theme more relevant and timely”.
