President, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mr. Emeka Eleh, has called on the federal government to reform the nation’s land tenure system, saying that the operating act (Land Use Act 1978) was grossly inadequate and militates against the administration’s efforts in wealth creation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group in Abuja yesterday, Eleh explained that a well-reformed land tenure system will not only enrich Nigerians, but will help in crime control and even raise money for the government.
“We believe that the Land Use Act of 1978 which is the operating force for lands in this country is inadequate. Since it was promulgated, it has not been able to solve the issue of land in this country. We talk about wealth creation when the bulk of the wealth of Nigerians depends on the land they own.
So we are encouraging the government to reform our land tenure law to give people title to their lands. If you have title to your land, then you can use it to get a loan to do your business,” Eleh explained.
The NIESV boss further regretted Nigeria’s lack of maintenance culture, especially on public properties. He explained such issues could be addressed if the federal government puts in place proper facility management procedure, pledging NIESV’s readiness to offer necessary assistance.
“That is why roads can take just six months to fall into disrepair. When you see the first pothole, nobody will address it, it will expand and before you know it, the road cuts off into two and then we will start holding meetings. These are issues that can be addressed if government can put in proper facility management procedure for these roads,” he stated.