Nationalization, Expropriation or Confiscation: A Critical Overview of the Pro and Contra Arguments Regarding the Effect of the Land Use Act on Land in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the pro and contra arguments regarding the effect of the Nigerian Land Use Act on land. The paper argues that the terms ‘nationalization’, ‘expropriation’ and ‘confiscation’ inappropriately describes the effect of the Land Use Act on land in Nigeria. What is certain is that the Act only transfers the allodial title from the former allodial owners to the governor, leaving intact all lesser rights. However, the governor does not hold the land beneficially, but holds it in trust for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Keywords: Nationalisation, Expropriation, Confiscation, Land, Law, Nigeria, Act, Use