Nigeria partners with World Bank to launch national land digital system for sustainable development

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank have partnered to develop a National Land Digital System, aiming to address long-standing challenges in land administration. That initiative seeks to improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in land transactions by digitising land records, which will streamline the registration process and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Given that over 90% of Nigeria’s land remains unregistered, this system will unlock significant economic potential by formalising land ownership and boosting investor confidence. As a result, the goal is to increase formal land transactions from under 10% to over 50% within the next decade, thereby enhancing property rights protection and promoting economic growth. Moreover, the initiative will focus on collaborating with state governments to register, document, and title land parcels, thus securing land ownership and unlocking new development opportunities.

In addition to these efforts, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank are finalising the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP), which will provide a strategic framework for long-term urban and rural growth. The policy is designed to guide the development of economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities, aligning with Nigeria’s broader objectives for sustainable development.

Furthermore, the initiative emphasises the importance of streamlining land administration and encouraging private sector investment in housing and infrastructure. That includes promoting eco-friendly construction materials and improving access to mortgage options. Consequently, these combined efforts are expected to lay the foundation for a more efficient and equitable land system, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic and social development.