LEGAL CHALLENGES IN COMPULSORY LAND ACQUISITION AND COMPENSATION IN NIGERIA

This article offered a critical examination of the legal complexities surrounding compulsory land acquisition and compensation in Nigeria. The Land Use Act of 1978, alongside other legislative measures, provides a framework for land acquisition, but its implementation frequently faces a myriad of legal challenges. These challenges, often detrimental to both landowners and government bodies, encompass issues of just recompense, respect for proper channels, and the tension between the rights to privacy of landowners and the broader public good. This paper, employing a doctrinal research methodology, delved into the nuances of these challenges, scrutinising the mechanisms of compensation valuation, procedural compliance, and the balance between public utility and private loss. It closely examined case law and statutory provisions to uncover the disparities between the legislative intentions of land acquisition laws and their practical execution. These include inconsistencies in compensation valuation methodologies and instances of procedural irregularities. Additionally, the paper assessed how these legal obstacles impact socio-economic progress and the rights of indigenous populations, who are often the most affected by land acquisition policies. This assessment was underpinned by empirical evidence and a review of legal scholarship, thus providing a holistic view of the current scenario of compulsory land acquisition in Nigeria. The aim of this paper was to make a substantial contribution to the discussion around land reform. By offering a well-rounded analysis, the paper sought to inform policymakers and other stakeholders, proposing ways to harmonise the objectives of national development with the defence of private property concerns. The article concludes with recommendations for legislative changes intended to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of the land acquisition process, ensuring equitable outcomes for all parties involved.