Land Use Act of 1978 - SS2 Agriculture Past Questions and Answers - page 2
Which law is considered supreme in matters of land use in Nigeria?
Customary law
Federal law
State law
The Land Use Act
Who has the authority to establish land tribunals?
Traditional rulers
The President
State governments
The Federal Ministry of Land
What does the Land Use Act recognize in addition to modern land laws?
Traditional practices and customary land rights
Federal land ownership
Private land ownership only
Foreign land ownership
What is the primary role of the Land Use Act in relation to land transactions?
To make land transactions easier
To restrict land transactions
To ensure transparency and legality
To privatize all land
Which level of government has control over land under the Land Use Act?
Federal government
Local government
State government
Traditional councils
What are the implications of the Land Use Act on landownership in Nigeria?
The Land Use Act significantly alters the traditional concept of land ownership in Nigeria. It vests ownership of land in the Governor of each state, effectively abolishing individual or community ownership. Instead, individuals and entities can only hold land as a "statutory right of occupancy" granted by the Governor. This has implications for land tenure security because it means that landholders do not have absolute ownership but rather a conditional right to use the land. Additionally, it can affect land-related disputes and transactions, making them subject to government control and regulation.
How does the Land Use Act balance the rights of traditional landowners and state control over land?
The Land Use Act recognizes customary land rights and the role of traditional authorities in land administration. It aims to strike a balance between modern land laws and customary practices. Traditional landowners still have influence and involvement in land matters within their communities, especially in rural areas. However, the Act empowers the state government to control and regulate land use, which can sometimes lead to conflicts between state authorities and traditional leaders when it comes to land allocation and use.
Provide an example of a situation where land can be acquired by the government for public purposes under the Land Use Act
An example of land acquisition by the government for public purposes under the Land Use Act is the construction of a new highway or a public hospital. In such cases, the government may need to acquire land from various landholders for the project's development. The government is required to compensate the affected landowners fairly and ensure that the acquisition is in the public interest. This ensures that critical infrastructure projects can proceed while safeguarding the rights of landowners.
How does the concept of compensation work when the government acquires land according to the Land Use Act?
When the government acquires land under the Land Use Act, it is required to provide compensation to the affected landowners. Compensation is meant to be fair and just and is typically determined through negotiations or valuation of the land's market value. The Act does not specify a fixed compensation formula but emphasizes that it should be equitable. Compensation can include monetary payments, alternative land allocation, or other benefits to ensure that landowners are not unfairly disadvantaged by the acquisition.
Explain the role and significance of the State Land Use and Allocation Committees in land management.
State Land Use and Allocation Committees play a vital role in land management by advising the government on land use, allocation, and related matters. They help ensure transparency and fairness in the allocation of land for various purposes, including residential, commercial, agricultural, or public use. These committees also contribute to the orderly development of land within the state and help prevent issues like land speculation or inappropriate land use. Their significance lies in their role as advisory bodies that contribute to responsible land governance.