The Ominira Initiative for Economic Advancement, a Nigerian non-governmental organisation, has urged the federal government to establish separate courts dedicated to land-related cases. The group noted that nearly 50 per cent of cases in Nigerian courts involve land disputes, highlighting the urgent need for specialised judicial attention.

Executive Director Lanre-Peter Elufisan said the Land Use Act of 1978 has hindered economic growth and social development by creating unclear land administration, encouraging land grabbers, and preventing citizens from safely owning land for business or personal use. He stressed that revising the law and creating specialised courts would reduce intimidation and promote fair access to land.

Elufisan explained that proper land administration is tied to economic opportunities, noting that Nigeria remains one of the poorest countries partly because citizens cannot access genuine land for business due to poor documentation and frequent land disputes. He compared the proposal to Nigeria’s industrial courts, which handle labour matters, saying similar courts for land cases would help decongest the judiciary.

Supporting the call, Professor Olawale Ogunkola highlighted the economic challenges Nigerians face, such as reliance on generators due to poor electricity supply, which drives up production costs. He said addressing land administration issues is crucial for improving ease of doing business and fostering economic freedom in Nigeria.