AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR LAND ACQUISITION IN NIGERIA: DISSECTING CHALLENGES AND DISCOVERING LESSONS FROM INDIA

Abstract

 This paper conducted an appraisal of the legal framework governing land acquisition in Nigeria,
specifically dissecting the inherent challenges and identifying potential improvements through a
comparative analysis with India. The paper was executed through the use of the doctrinal research
methodology, involving a systematic examination of primary and secondary legal sources, including the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the Land Use Act 1978. The paper found that
Nigeria’s framework is plagued by bureaucratic inefficiencies, centralization of power in state governors,
and a dual tenure system that creates friction with customary land rights. Furthermore, the investigation
revealed that Nigeria lacks the robust social impact assessments and specialized dispute resolution
mechanisms present in the Indian legal system. By analyzing India’s Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013, the research identified
critical lessons regarding community participation, transparent valuation, and mandatory resettlement
protocols.