Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has assured members of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms that land will be available, accessible, efficiently used, easily transferable, and convertible.

Dangiwa, who gave the assurance when the committee members met him in Abuja, commended their work despite challenges, saying that it has produced comprehensive recommendations and blueprints aimed at transforming land administration in the country.

He said: “These recommendations, once implemented, have the potential to significantly enhance land access and drive economic growth by unlocking an estimated $300 billion in dead capital.”

The Housing Minister further said that the ministry would review and incorporate essential aspects of their work into its reform strategy for implementation as well as expedite the process, as internal ministerial committee has been established to meticulously study the committee’s submissions.

Besides, Dangiwa underscored the ministry’s determination to dismantle barriers hindering the growth of the housing sector and national development, notably the ineffective land administration system in the country.

Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Prof. Peter Adeniyi, in his presentation, noted the immense progress made by the committee over the years, including the production of a Draft Land Use Act, as well as draft regulations to cater for all aspects of the sector.

He stated: “We have over time tried to get the attention of critical stakeholders, government and policy leaders in the past to see that these regulations get the necessary backing, but unfortunately, nothing has come out of it.”

“The reason why our systematic land titling and administration framework, which has been adopted by states like Kaduna and Kano, is simply the lack of legal backing. So, we find that the system is only valid within the parameters of the state but is not binding outside of the state. With a commission, that can be resolved.”