List and explain the four major systems of land tenure in Nigeria.
Land tenure refers to the system of rules and regulations that govern the use, ownership, and transfer of land. In Nigeria, there are four major systems of land tenure, which are:
Traditional/Communal land tenure: This system of land tenure is based on the communal ownership of land by families or communities. It is characterized by the absence of private ownership and the existence of customary rules and regulations governing land use, transfer, and inheritance.
Individual land tenure: This system of land tenure involves the ownership of land by individuals, who have exclusive rights to use, transfer, and inherit the land. The land may be acquired through purchase, inheritance, or allocation by the government.
Leasehold land tenure: This system of land tenure involves the leasing of land for a specified period of time, usually between 50-99 years. The lessee has exclusive rights to use and benefit from the land, but ownership remains with the lessor.
Government land tenure: This system of land tenure involves the ownership and control of land by the government. The government may allocate land to individuals or organizations for specific purposes such as agriculture, housing, or industrial development.
Each system of land tenure has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, traditional/communal land tenure promotes social cohesion and community development, but may not be conducive to individual investment and economic growth. Individual land tenure, on the other hand, encourages individual investment and economic growth, but may lead to land speculation and inequality. Leasehold land tenure provides a middle ground between individual and communal ownership, but may limit long-term investment and development. Government land tenure can facilitate planned development and control over land use, but may be prone to corruption and misuse of power.
Answer Details
Land tenure refers to the system of rules and regulations that govern the use, ownership, and transfer of land. In Nigeria, there are four major systems of land tenure, which are:
Traditional/Communal land tenure: This system of land tenure is based on the communal ownership of land by families or communities. It is characterized by the absence of private ownership and the existence of customary rules and regulations governing land use, transfer, and inheritance.
Individual land tenure: This system of land tenure involves the ownership of land by individuals, who have exclusive rights to use, transfer, and inherit the land. The land may be acquired through purchase, inheritance, or allocation by the government.
Leasehold land tenure: This system of land tenure involves the leasing of land for a specified period of time, usually between 50-99 years. The lessee has exclusive rights to use and benefit from the land, but ownership remains with the lessor.
Government land tenure: This system of land tenure involves the ownership and control of land by the government. The government may allocate land to individuals or organizations for specific purposes such as agriculture, housing, or industrial development.
Each system of land tenure has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, traditional/communal land tenure promotes social cohesion and community development, but may not be conducive to individual investment and economic growth. Individual land tenure, on the other hand, encourages individual investment and economic growth, but may lead to land speculation and inequality. Leasehold land tenure provides a middle ground between individual and communal ownership, but may limit long-term investment and development. Government land tenure can facilitate planned development and control over land use, but may be prone to corruption and misuse of power.