The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria

Adeola Sarah Ajayi; Oluranti Mobolaji Oladunmoye

doi:doi:10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11

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The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria

Adeola Sarah Ajayi^*

, Oluranti Mobolaji Oladunmoye

Published in Urban and Regional Planning (Volume 10, Issue 2)

Received: 30 March 2025 Accepted: 8 April 2025 Published: 29 April 2025

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Abstract

The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This study investigates the implications of the Land Use Act on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper examines how the centralization of land ownership, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy implementation have hindered the adoption of eco-friendly building practices. Conversely, it also explores the potential of the Act to support sustainability through provisions like Environmental Impact Assessments and the possibility for localized green initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The qualitative component involved a review of relevant literature and policy documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as government officials, construction professionals, and environmental advocates. The quantitative analysis was based on secondary data from government reports and industry publications to evaluate trends in the adoption of sustainable construction methods. Findings indicate that while the Land Use Act contains elements that can support sustainable construction, its current implementation lacks the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to be effective. High land registration costs and lengthy acquisition processes were identified as major barriers. However, stakeholders also recognized the Act’s potential if reformed to reduce bureaucracy, introduce policy incentives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This study recommends key reforms to streamline land acquisition, promote eco-friendly materials, and strengthen institutional capacity. With these improvements, the Land Use Act could serve as a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development goals within Nigeria’s built environment.

Published in	Urban and Regional Planning (Volume 10, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11
Page(s)	55-60
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Land Use Act, Sustainable Construction, Land Acquisition, Nigeria, Construction Projects

References

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[2]	Ukhun, C E., & Inegbedion, N A. (2007, July 1). Ontological Validation of Land Tenureship in Esan Tradition, 5(1), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/0972639x.2007.11886553
[3]	Otubu, Kabir, Akintunde. 2014. "Compulsory Acquisition without Compensation and the Land Use Act" RELX Group (Netherlands). https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2420039
[4]	Agbosu, L. K.. 1988. "The Land Use Act and the State of Nigerian Land Law" Cambridge University Press 32(1): 1-43. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0021855300010202
[5]	Fabiyi, L., Yakub. 1984. "Land administration in Nigeria: Case studies of the implementation of the land use decree (Act) in Ogun, Ondo and Oyo States of Nigeria" Elsevier BV 17(1): 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/0309-586x(84)90060-8
[6]	Dalibi, S G., Feng, J., Liu, S., Sadiq, A A., Bello, B., & Danja, I. (2017, May 1). Hindrances to Green Building Developments in Nigeria’s Built Environment: “The Project Professionals’ Perspectives”. IOP Publishing, 63, 012033-012033. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/63/1/012033
[7]	Ohiomah, I., & Aigbavboa, C. (2020, January 1). Identifying Barriers of Sustainable Construction: A Nigerian Case Study. EDP Sciences, 312, 04004-04004. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202031204004
[8]	Tunji-Olayeni, P .., Mosaku, T O., Oyeyipo, O., & Afolabi, A. (2018, May 1). Sustainability strategies in the construction industry: implications on Green Growth in Nigeria. IOP Publishing, 146, 012004-012004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/146/1/012004
[9]	Toriola-Coker, L O., Alaka, H., Bello, W A., Ajayi, S., Adeniyi, A I., & Olopade, S. (2021, March 1). Sustainability Barriers in Nigeria Construction Practice. IOP Publishing, 1036(1), 012023-012023. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/1036/1/012023
[10]	Akinshipe, O., Oluleye, I B., & Aigbavboa, C. (2019, November 1). Adopting sustainable construction in Nigeria: Major constraints. IOP Publishing, 640(1), 012020-012020. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/640/1/012020
[11]	Nwokoro, I., & Onukwube, H N. (2011, August 2). Sustainable or Green Construction in Lagos, Nigeria: Principles, Attributes and Framework. Canadian Center of Science and Education, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v4n4p166
[12]	Adebayo, A., & Iweka, A. (2016). Institutional barriers to sustainable construction in Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Management, 182, 20–28.
[13]	Olowoporoku, A., Atayero, A., & Fapohunda, J. (2020). Barriers to sustainable construction practices in Nigeria: Stakeholder perspectives. Sustainability, 12(3), 1352.
[14]	Nubi, T. G. (2008). Affordable housing delivery in Nigeria: The South African Foundation experience. Housing Finance International, 23(3), 25–30.
[15]	Babalola, D O., Ibem, E O., Ezema, I C., & Olanipekun, A O. (2019, August 1). Assessment of the role of Lean Construction Practices in Environmental Sustainability. IOP Publishing, 1299(1), 012002-012002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1299/1/012002
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APA Style

Ajayi, A. S., Oladunmoye, O. M. (2025). The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria. Urban and Regional Planning, 10(2), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11

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ACS Style

Ajayi, A. S.; Oladunmoye, O. M. The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria. Urban Reg. Plan. 2025, 10(2), 55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11

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AMA Style

Ajayi AS, Oladunmoye OM. The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria. Urban Reg Plan. 2025;10(2):55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11

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@article{10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11,
  author = {Adeola Sarah Ajayi and Oluranti Mobolaji Oladunmoye},
  title = {The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria
},
  journal = {Urban and Regional Planning},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {55-60},
  doi = {10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.urp.20251002.11},
  abstract = {The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This study investigates the implications of the Land Use Act on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper examines how the centralization of land ownership, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy implementation have hindered the adoption of eco-friendly building practices. Conversely, it also explores the potential of the Act to support sustainability through provisions like Environmental Impact Assessments and the possibility for localized green initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The qualitative component involved a review of relevant literature and policy documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as government officials, construction professionals, and environmental advocates. The quantitative analysis was based on secondary data from government reports and industry publications to evaluate trends in the adoption of sustainable construction methods. Findings indicate that while the Land Use Act contains elements that can support sustainable construction, its current implementation lacks the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to be effective. High land registration costs and lengthy acquisition processes were identified as major barriers. However, stakeholders also recognized the Act’s potential if reformed to reduce bureaucracy, introduce policy incentives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This study recommends key reforms to streamline land acquisition, promote eco-friendly materials, and strengthen institutional capacity. With these improvements, the Land Use Act could serve as a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development goals within Nigeria’s built environment.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria

AU  - Adeola Sarah Ajayi
AU  - Oluranti Mobolaji Oladunmoye
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11
T2  - Urban and Regional Planning
JF  - Urban and Regional Planning
JO  - Urban and Regional Planning
SP  - 55
EP  - 60
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1697
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11
AB  - The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This study investigates the implications of the Land Use Act on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper examines how the centralization of land ownership, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy implementation have hindered the adoption of eco-friendly building practices. Conversely, it also explores the potential of the Act to support sustainability through provisions like Environmental Impact Assessments and the possibility for localized green initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The qualitative component involved a review of relevant literature and policy documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as government officials, construction professionals, and environmental advocates. The quantitative analysis was based on secondary data from government reports and industry publications to evaluate trends in the adoption of sustainable construction methods. Findings indicate that while the Land Use Act contains elements that can support sustainable construction, its current implementation lacks the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to be effective. High land registration costs and lengthy acquisition processes were identified as major barriers. However, stakeholders also recognized the Act’s potential if reformed to reduce bureaucracy, introduce policy incentives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This study recommends key reforms to streamline land acquisition, promote eco-friendly materials, and strengthen institutional capacity. With these improvements, the Land Use Act could serve as a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development goals within Nigeria’s built environment.

VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Adeola Sarah Ajayi

Department of Architecture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7943-3735
Oluranti Mobolaji Oladunmoye

Department of Architecture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

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APA Style

Ajayi, A. S., Oladunmoye, O. M. (2025). The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria. Urban and Regional Planning, 10(2), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11

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ACS Style

Ajayi, A. S.; Oladunmoye, O. M. The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria. Urban Reg. Plan. 2025, 10(2), 55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11

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AMA Style

Ajayi AS, Oladunmoye OM. The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria. Urban Reg Plan. 2025;10(2):55-60. doi: 10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11,
  author = {Adeola Sarah Ajayi and Oluranti Mobolaji Oladunmoye},
  title = {The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria
},
  journal = {Urban and Regional Planning},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {55-60},
  doi = {10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.urp.20251002.11},
  abstract = {The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This study investigates the implications of the Land Use Act on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper examines how the centralization of land ownership, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy implementation have hindered the adoption of eco-friendly building practices. Conversely, it also explores the potential of the Act to support sustainability through provisions like Environmental Impact Assessments and the possibility for localized green initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The qualitative component involved a review of relevant literature and policy documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as government officials, construction professionals, and environmental advocates. The quantitative analysis was based on secondary data from government reports and industry publications to evaluate trends in the adoption of sustainable construction methods. Findings indicate that while the Land Use Act contains elements that can support sustainable construction, its current implementation lacks the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to be effective. High land registration costs and lengthy acquisition processes were identified as major barriers. However, stakeholders also recognized the Act’s potential if reformed to reduce bureaucracy, introduce policy incentives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This study recommends key reforms to streamline land acquisition, promote eco-friendly materials, and strengthen institutional capacity. With these improvements, the Land Use Act could serve as a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development goals within Nigeria’s built environment.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria

AU  - Adeola Sarah Ajayi
AU  - Oluranti Mobolaji Oladunmoye
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11
T2  - Urban and Regional Planning
JF  - Urban and Regional Planning
JO  - Urban and Regional Planning
SP  - 55
EP  - 60
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1697
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.urp.20251002.11
AB  - The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This study investigates the implications of the Land Use Act on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper examines how the centralization of land ownership, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy implementation have hindered the adoption of eco-friendly building practices. Conversely, it also explores the potential of the Act to support sustainability through provisions like Environmental Impact Assessments and the possibility for localized green initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The qualitative component involved a review of relevant literature and policy documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as government officials, construction professionals, and environmental advocates. The quantitative analysis was based on secondary data from government reports and industry publications to evaluate trends in the adoption of sustainable construction methods. Findings indicate that while the Land Use Act contains elements that can support sustainable construction, its current implementation lacks the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to be effective. High land registration costs and lengthy acquisition processes were identified as major barriers. However, stakeholders also recognized the Act’s potential if reformed to reduce bureaucracy, introduce policy incentives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This study recommends key reforms to streamline land acquisition, promote eco-friendly materials, and strengthen institutional capacity. With these improvements, the Land Use Act could serve as a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development goals within Nigeria’s built environment.

VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download