By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has planned to unlock over $150 billion in dormant land capital nationwide to drive sustainable development and environmental stewardship, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa said, Thursday.
Dangiwa made the announcement at a Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Nigeria Land Registration, Documentation and Titling Programme (NLRDTP) in Lagos, themed “Moving from Inception to Implementation.”
The minister explained that less than five percent of land in Nigeria is formally titled, which not only restricts economic use but also encourages unplanned development that harms the environment.
By formalizing land ownership through the “Land4Growth” programme, the government aims to promote planned settlements, reduce land degradation, and prevent uncontrolled encroachment on forests, wetlands, and other sensitive ecosystems.
The initiative will digitize land records, standardize land governance, and improve transparency, reducing disputes that often result in environmental damage during conflicts over land use.
Dangiwa noted that unlocking dormant land capital can finance green housing projects, urban planning initiatives, and climate-resilient infrastructure, aligning economic growth with environmental protection.
Over one million digital land titles are expected to be issued during the initial phase, with more than 2,000 professionals trained to manage modern, environmentally conscious land administration systems.
States will lead implementation, supported federally and by partners such as the World Bank, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into local development plans.
The programme also aims to improve urban and rural planning, minimize deforestation, and reduce the pressure on natural resources by directing development toward officially registered land.
Dangiwa emphasized that formalized land ownership enables sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and the development of renewable energy projects, turning dormant land into environmentally productive assets.
Citizens will benefit from secure property rights, access to credit for eco-friendly development, and reduced conflicts that often lead to environmental degradation.
The minister described the initiative as a foundation for inclusive growth, linking economic prosperity with environmental sustainability and responsible land management nationwide.
