Some experts and stakeholders in the building sector have advised the Federal Government to complete ongoing land reform to fast track economic growth.
The experts commended efforts of the Federal Government to formulate a National Land Policy, which will provide guidance to effective, sustainable and equitable distribution of land resources for greater prosperity.
The experts made the remarks in a communique at the end of the 28th Conference of Directors of Lands in the Federal and States Ministries, Departments and Agencies, held in Lagos, from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16.
The communique was released on Saturday in Lagos.
The conference which had the theme, ‘‘Improving Land-Based Revenue of the Federating Units in Nigeria through Efficient and Effective Land Administration,” was chaired by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.
The experts urged all tiers of government to prioritize the management of fixed assets, which represented important resource for the delivery of services and attainment of their objectives.
They called for digitization of land titling and registration, reforms, collaboration and synergy by all stakeholders in property and land administration and transactions for rapid development.
The delegates called for capacity building for all cadres of staff in land administration as well as unbundling of Estate Management courses to capture financial aspects that will serve the housing sector effectively.
They also called for review of land charges to empower more people with ownership while advocating for population control among low income earners.
The experts similarly recommended sanctions for rent defaulters; noted need for periodic demand notices for ground rents and challenged land office holders to courageously discharge their official responsibilities.
They explained the need for Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC) and LAAC to be in all the states and local councils as a panacea for efficient land administration.
The delegates also advocated amendment and enactment of new laws including the Land Use Act that will stimulate Real Estate activities.
They called for housing support services and technical assistance programs to be provided by the government and CBN to help Primary Mortgage Institutions re-capitalize for long-term funding to developers and end users.
The Conference was attended by Directors of Lands from Federal and States Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as Directors of Lands in the FCT.
Other attendees included, representatives of
Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Also present were, representatives of Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
The experts urged the CBN, FMBN, NIESV, REDAN and Housing Finance Professionals Association of Nigeria (HOFPAN) to collaborate, and the National University Commission to unbundle Estate Management courses for viability.
The delegates noted the need for the resuscitation of the Standing Committee on Resolving all Pending Land Issues between Lagos State Government and Federal Government among other recommendations.
