Land Reform: How Modern Policies Can Drive Revenue and Growth in Abuja
Modern Land Policy Reform to Boost Abuja Investments
Johnbull Amayaevbo, former President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), has called for a comprehensive modernization of land governance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The move is aimed at bolstering investor confidence, enhancing internally generated revenue (IGR), and positioning Abuja as a globally competitive urban center.
Delivering a lecture titled “From Compliance to Competitiveness: Positioning Abuja’s Land Governance Framework for Investment Confidence and Revenue Growth,” Amayaevbo argued that the current administrative systems in the FCT are overly bureaucratic and compliance-driven. He emphasized the necessity of transitioning toward a market-responsive framework that prioritizes economic growth and sustainable urban development.
Land Governance as a Strategic Economic Tool
Amayaevbo posited that in modern urban economies, land governance has evolved beyond mere administrative functions. It now serves as a critical determinant of how investors perceive a city's stability and potential.
"In contemporary urban economies, land governance has evolved beyond administrative functions. It now shapes investor confidence, revenue mobilization, and overall city competitiveness," Amayaevbo stated.
To illustrate his point, he drew parallels with global cities such as Riyadh, Singapore, Vancouver, and Kigali. He specifically highlighted Riyadh’s Vision 2030, which utilizes large-scale master planning and digitized administration to reduce investor uncertainty and accelerate project timelines. Similarly, he noted that Vancouver and Singapore have successfully leveraged transparent, predictable land policies to sustain high-value real estate markets.
Key Proposals for FCT Reform
The NIESV expert identified several critical areas where the FCT administration must focus its reform efforts:
Digitization of Land Records: Moving away from paper-based systems to integrated digital registries to minimize transaction friction.
Streamlined Approval Processes: Reducing the bureaucratic bottlenecks that currently delay land-use permits and property registrations.
Clear Zoning Regulations: Establishing predictable urban planning guidelines to help investors make informed, long-term decisions.
State-Led Land Assembly: Implementing strategic planning that mirrors international best practices to enable large-scale development projects.
Fiscal Capacity and Urban Development
Beyond attracting private capital, Amayaevbo noted that a modernized land policy would significantly strengthen the FCT’s fiscal position. By creating a more transparent and efficient transaction environment, the government can more effectively capture land-related taxes and fees, which can then be reinvested into public infrastructure and services.
He concluded that for Abuja to realize its full potential as a competitive capital city, policymakers must adopt strategies that ensure transparency and certainty in all land transactions. The integration of technology and the adoption of investor-friendly regulations are seen as the primary drivers for this transition.
The call for land policy reform in Abuja comes at a time when Nigeria is looking to diversify its revenue streams and attract foreign direct investment into its real estate sector. Amayaevbo’s insights suggest that the FCT has the potential for significant economic expansion, provided its foundational land governance framework is aligned with global market standards.
