The Niger State Government on Friday raised an alarm over the unauthorised subdivision and sale of land originally allocated to federal government agencies and institutions within the state.
Dr Abdul Husseini, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger Ministry of Lands and Survey, disclosed this at a press conference held in Minna.
He stated that lands officially designated by the state for public and government use were being sold to private individuals without the state government’s knowledge or the necessary approval from the governor.
Husseini described the practice as a “flagrant breach” of the conditions attached to the original grants.
He further noted that these actions violate the constitutional authority of the governor as provided under the Land Use Act, Cap L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He emphasised that no subdivision, reallocation, or sale of lands allocated to federal agencies is permitted without the governor’s explicit written consent.
He added that any request for zoning changes or alterations in land use must be officially submitted through the proper channels for review and approval.
“Lands allocated for public purposes but no longer in use are required to revert to the state in line with good land governance and public accountability,” he said.
He consequently ordered an immediate halt to all unauthorised transactions involving such lands.
Husseini urged individuals engaged in these irregularities to regularise their actions by seeking the necessary approval from the governor.
He instructed that written notifications be submitted for any proposed changes in land use, accompanied by justifications from the relevant supervising federal ministry or agency.
He warned that failure to comply would constitute a breach of the grant conditions.
Husseini further stated that the state would not hesitate to recommend the revocation of land titles and pursue administrative and legal measures to reclaim the affected lands in the overriding public interest.
“This aligns with the state’s efforts toward orderly land administration, optimisation of the Niger Geographic Information System, and improved intergovernmental cooperation,” he said.