Land Acquisition and Compensation in Nigeria: A Homeowner’s Guide
Written by: Lucky Ajayi
When the Government Needs Your Land
Navigating land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria can feel overwhelming, especially when the government needs your property for public use. Imagine you have a beautiful garden that you’ve worked on for years. One day, the government says they need to build a new road right through it. In Nigeria, the government has the power to take land for “public purposes,” like building schools, hospitals, or roads. This is called compulsory acquisition.
While it can be scary to hear that the government needs your land, you have rights! The most important right is the right to fair compensation. This means the government must pay you for what they are taking. Understanding how this works is the best way to protect your investment, especially in a fast-growing city like Abuja. This guide will help you understand the intricacies of land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria.
The Land Use Act: The Rulebook for Land Acquisition and Compensation in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the main law about land is the Land Use Act of 1978. 1 This law says that all land in a state is held by the Governor for the benefit of the people. When the government takes land back, they aren’t just taking the dirt; they are taking your “right of occupancy.” This is a crucial aspect of land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria.
Because of this, the law says they must pay you for:
1.Improvements: This includes buildings, fences, and even crops or trees you’ve planted.
2.Rent: Any rent you’ve already paid for the land for the year they take it.
3.Disturbance: Sometimes, they also pay for the trouble of having to move.
5 Steps to a Successful Compensation Claim
Getting paid fairly isn’t automatic. You need to follow a process to make sure you get every Naira you deserve:
| Step | What You Need to Do |
| 1. Notice | The government must give you an official “Notice of Acquisition.” Keep this document safe! |
| 2. Inventory | Make a list of everything on the land—every building, tree, and well. Take photos! |
| 3. Valuation | Hire a professional Estate Surveyor and Valuer to figure out the true value of your improvements. [2] |
| 4. Submission | Submit your formal claim for compensation to the government department in charge. |
| 5. Negotiation | If the government’s offer is too low, your valuer will negotiate for a better price. |
Why You Need a Professional Valuer
The government will have their own people to value your land, and they might try to offer the lowest price possible. This is why you need your own “detective”—a professional Estate Surveyor and Valuer from a firm like Tabansi Consulting.
We know the current prices for building materials, the value of different types of crops, and the latest legal rules in Abuja. We make sure that nothing is missed. If you have a 5-bedroom house with a borehole and a generator house, we make sure the government pays for all of it, not just the main house.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Land Acquisition and Compensation
When dealing with land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria, avoid these common pitfalls:
•Not having proper papers: Make sure your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or other land papers are up to date.
•Waiting too long: There are often deadlines for filing a claim. Don’t wait!
•Accepting the first offer: The first offer is often a starting point. A professional can usually help you get more.
•Not documenting everything: If you don’t have proof of what was on the land before it was cleared, it’s hard to get paid for it.
How Tabansi Consulting Protects Your Rights in Land Acquisition and Compensation
At Tabansi Consulting, we specialize in Acquisition and Compensation claims. We have years of experience helping people in Abuja get fair deals when the government needs their land. We handle the paperwork, the valuation, and the tough negotiations so you don’t have to. Our goal is to ensure you receive equitable land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria.
Our goal is to make sure that even if you lose your land, you don’t lose your wealth. We ensure you have enough money to start over and build something even better.
Key Takeaways on Land Acquisition and Compensation
•The government can take land for public use, but they must pay compensation.
•Compensation covers buildings, crops, and improvements, not just the land itself.
•The Land Use Act is the main law that protects your rights in Nigeria regarding land acquisition and compensation.
•Always hire a professional valuer to ensure your claim is accurate and fair.
Don’t Face the Government Alone
If you’ve received a notice that your land is being acquired, or if you’re worried about a new project in your area, get expert help immediately. Knowing your rights is the first step; fighting for them is the second. For comprehensive support with land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria, reach out to professionals.
Contact Tabansi Consulting today for a professional consultation on land acquisition and compensation. We are here to protect your interests and your future in Abuja.
[1]Land Use Act 1978 – Federal Government of Nigeria Official Document
[2]https://tabansiconsulting.net/property-valuation-in-nigeria-2026-guide/