Significance of Compulsory Land Acquisition in the Delivery of Public Housing in Niger State

Abstract

The provision of housing requires effective access to land. In Nigeria, access to land for public housing development is through compulsory acquisition. Also, the right to adequate compensation is a fundamental human right duly enshrined in the nation’s constitution. This paper examines the significance of compulsory land acquisition in the delivery of public housing in Niger State. The study is based on descriptive research design and utilised secondary data obtained from the Niger State Ministry of Lands and Housing. It discusses in chronological sequence, the development of compulsory land acquisition practice in Nigeria and evaluates the quantum of land acquired by Niger State government from 2007 to 2017. It concludes that there is need for equitable acquisition of land for mass housing in Niger State to reflect the population of the senatorial zones of the state as well as mechanism that guarantees transparent identification of genuine claimants for assessment and payment of compensation based on the principle of fairness, equity and justice.