FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REVIEWS COMPENSATION RATES FOR LANDS 22-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Government is reviewing compensation rates for the acquisition of lands to construct housing projects nationwide.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa stated this in Abuja at the 2024 National Technical Development Forum on Land Administration.
The National Technical Development Forum on Land Administration was established by the Federal Government in 2006 for stakeholders across the nation to regularly meet and exchange ideas on interpretation and application of land laws.
Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa said this year’s forum was to develop a blueprint for the revised compensation rates to reflect current market realities, environmental and social value of economic trees and crops.
He maintained that the revised compensation rates were to also ensure that vulnerable groups were not disadvantaged.
According to Mr. Dangiwa, the current compensation rates established in 2008 were obsolete and do not reflect the present economic realities and global best practices.
He decried that the Land Use Act of 1978 which provides framework for government to acquire lands for public purposes often resulted in delays, disputes, and inadequate compensation that failed to account for the true value of agricultural investments.
The National Coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, Dr. Aminu Bodinga remarked that nineteen states were participating in the programme which is largely funded by the World Bank with over two hundred million dollars investment to enhance construction of rural roads.
He gave an assurance that RAAMP would be expanded to other states of the federation and evey land owner affected by the project would be adequately compensated.
The Senior Social Development Specialist, World Bank, Dr Michael Illesanmi expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and other stakeholders for the programme and pledged to continue supporting Nigeria to carryout land reforms for economic growth.
The theme of the event is, “Review of Compensation Rates on Crops and Economic Trees for Project Affected Persons in Nigeria”.