Nigeria’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has partnered with the World Bank to address the country’s land registration challenges.
With over 90% of land in Nigeria currently untitled, this initiative aims to unlock an estimated $300 billion in untapped capital.
The partnership seeks to register all land parcels within five years, increase formal land transactions from 10% to 50%, and establish a National Digital Land Information System (NDLIS).
The World Bank’s Vice President of Infrastructure, Guangzhe Chen, and Housing Minister Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa signed the agreement in Abuja on September 11, 2024.
Minister Dangiwa emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it will not only register and title land parcels but also increase revenue for state governments through ground rent, Certificates of Occupancy, and real estate taxes. He added that “these funds can be used to improve urban services and mitigate climate change impacts in cities across Nigeria”.
As contained in a statement on the ministry’s website, Minister Dangiwa highlighted how the partnership will also focus on Urban Livability and the Housing Value Chain, with the World Bank providing technical expertise to create sustainable frameworks for managing urban areas and improving service delivery.
Additionally, the initiative will develop a framework to address systemic barriers in the housing value chain, enhancing private investments in affordable housing.
World Bank Vice President of Infrastructure, Guangzhe Chen, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in land administration, affordable housing, sustainable financing, climate change mitigation, and urban land management to achieve livable cities and digitization. He added that effective models may be adapted for Nigeria from other West and Central African nations.
Also, the World Bank’s Country Director, Ndiame Diop, has announced plans to refine priorities into comprehensive programs, including improving the mortgage ecosystem, implementing a structured land titling system, and providing urban planning support.
