LAND TENURE, PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT: EXAMINING THE TENSIONS BETWEEN CUSTOMARY LAW, STATUTORY LAW, AND INVESTMENT SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Authors

  • Abiodun AMUDA-KANNIKE
  • Florence NEMI-CLOVER
  • Gloria Oluchi JUDE-AKARAONYE
  • Abdulrazaq AMUDA-KANNIKE

Keywords:

Land tenure, property rights

Abstract

This paper explores how Nigeria’s dual land tenure system customary and statutory law affects property rights and commercial development. While land is vital for production, identity, and governance, conflicting systems under customary practices and the Land Use Act of 1978 create uncertainty, weaken tenure security, and deter investment. Challenges include poor land registration, bureaucratic delays, expropriation risks, and weak contract enforcement, impacting housing, agriculture, infrastructure, and industry. The study calls for harmonized reforms to protect property rights, streamline administration, and build investor confidence while preserving cultural heritage, enabling Nigeria to unlock land’s potential, reduce conflict, and drive sustainable economic growth.

 

Author Biographies

  • Abiodun AMUDA-KANNIKE

    Abiodun AMUDA-KANNIKE, Professor, SAN, FCArb, AG, DIRECTOR, Department Of Legislative Support Services (DLSS), National Institute For Legislative & Democratic Studies, NILDS Abuja, AND Pioneer Dean, Faculty of Law, Kwara State University, Malete, Via Ilorin, Kwara State. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICARB). He is also an associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Taxation and at same time Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Economics; Fellow Chartered Institute of Arts, Management Professionals.  

  • Florence NEMI-CLOVER

    Florence NEMI-CLOVER, LLM (Exeter U.K), FCIArb, MICMC, Partner, Nemi & Nemi Barristers and Solicitors, 1 Sir L.O. Nemi Street, Abuloma, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.  

  • Gloria Oluchi JUDE-AKARAONYE

    Gloria Oluchi JUDE-AKARAONYE, (L.L.B) Hons. She is a Legal Researcher and Analyst. A Graduate of Law, National Open University of Nigeria. 

  • Abdulrazaq AMUDA-KANNIKE

    Abdulrazaq AMUDA-KANNIKE, Chief Olagunju SAN & Co, Abike Chambers, 3, Aperin Street, Off Awolowo Avenue Junction, Old Bodija Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

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Published

2025-10-10

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 5 (2025): NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF COMMERCIAL AND PROPERTY LAW

Section

Articles