Addressing Land Grabbing Issues Across Geo-Political Regions of Nigeria

According to the Global think tank organization Land Matrix, approximately 26.7 million hectares of land have been lost to land grabbing globally since the early 2000s. Land grabbing, characterized by the acquisition of land by private investors at prices below their actual worth, is a manifestation of governance weaknesses in countries. The problem of land grabbing has far-reaching effects on indigenous and local communities, impacting them socially, economically, politically, environmentally, and culturally. This issue is not new and predates the era of imperialism.

Land grabbing is driven by factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and agribusiness expansion on a global scale. This phenomenon exacerbates inequality and income disparity, particularly in low-income communities, as small-scale farmers are often denied land ownership. Moreover, it contributes to deforestation and increases land inequality.

The escalating demand for energy and food worldwide has fuelled land grabbing. This demand has led to significant investments, resulting in global transformations associated with land grabbing, particularly affecting the global south, including low-income countries in Africa. The United Nations has identified the agroforestry industry as a major driver of land grabbing in Africa.

Africa boasts 60% of the world's arable land, yet a significant portion of these lands is under the threat of land grabbing. Notably, land grabbing in Africa is often perpetrated by African governments and foreign investors. Research reveals that many of these lands are controlled by land grabbers. Development aid reports implicate multilateral agencies, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, in triggering land grabbing in Africa and Asia

The intertwining of land and politics is evident globally, including in Nigeria. The Nigerian Land Use Act vests land custody in the government, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act seeks to protect communities and biodiversity. However, there is a growing number of land disputes between locals and governments across Nigeria, driven by foreign investments and various development projects like housing, airports, agribusinesses, and seaport.

Foreign investments, extreme weather events, mining, agriculture, and pastoralism are the primary drivers of land grabbing in Nigeria. It's important to note that many land grabbing issues in Nigeria are domestic in nature, despite the involvement of domestic investors often linked to government institutions and political actors. This situation leaves local communities vulnerable to livelihood loss and the adverse effects of climate change, including flooding, erosion, and biodiversity loss.

Addressing the complex issue of land grabbing in Nigeria is paramount to promoting stability and strengthening institutions. By acknowledging the domestic drivers and their implications, we can develop comprehensive strategies to safeguard the rights and well-being of local communities while fostering sustainable land management practices. Together, we can work towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.