Securing Land Title/Ownership Rights: A Survey of the level of Compliance with Land Registration in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the level of compliance with land registration with a view to determining the extent of securing landed properties in Akwa Ibom State. Information regarding the procedures of land registration and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy were obtained through structured interviews and discussions with the Director, Lands Directorate, Ministry of Lands and Town Planning, Uyo. The data on land parcels surveyed and Certificates of Occupancy issued to respective applicants were obtained after a critical assessment of the public register where all interests in landed properties were recorded at the office of Akwa Ibom State Surveyor-General and Lands Directorate, Ministry of Lands and Town planning respectively. A comparative analysis of the data amongst the three senatorial districts in the State was done with the Analysis of Variance - one way classification (ANOVA). However, records revealed that a total number of 33,100 parcels of land were surveyed between 2000 and 2009 in the State. Of this number, only 1,933 parcels representing six (6) percent were completely registered and Certificates of Occupancy issued. The ANOVA result revealed a landmark variation in the distribution of these title documents across the three Senatorial Districts in the State. In conclusion, and based on available records, the level of compliance with land registration in Akwa Ibom State was far below expectation. By implication, securing landed properties, enhancing effective land markets and accessing credits for business developments could be undermined in the State. However, with the possibilities offered in the information technology (IT) in recent times, the development of a dependable and more automated land information management system where data storage, processing, and retrieval could be facilitated is highly recommended in the State.

Keywords: Land Policy and Administration, Land registration, and Certificates of Occupancy.