SMART LAND GOVERNANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Context and background: This study explored the relevance of smart land governance (SLG) for sustainable development in Nigeria. Generally, land governance plays a critical role in land accessibility, security, economic growth, social equity, and environmental preservation. In fairness, Nigeria has recorded numerous successes in the land governance system. Yet, various deficiencies in the land sector are yet to be addressed, disrupting the system effectiveness. These deficiencies impose insecurity on stakeholders while gradually depreciating national values. Reforming the land sector in a smart way is a recent practice that addresses land governance deficiencies using newly developed technological innovations, which are important to accomplish traditional, political, and social goals. This helps to create an inclusive society through equal and accessible land distribution by reshaping policy instruments, financing mechanisms, rules, protocols, and guidelines that govern land matters using technology tools for sustainable development to prevent harm from the present and future generations. Goal and Objectives: The relevance of smart land governance (SLG) in the study area was examined to enhance stakeholders’ proper decision-making in the land sector to promote sustainable development in Nigeria. The objectives examined; a. how smart land governance could enhance the proper decision making of stakeholders in the land sector; b. the ways smart land governance could promote sustainable development for the present and future generations in Nigeria; and c. develop a framework that could enhance smart land governance. Methodology: The study used quantitative research methods to obtain meaningful and useful information. Purposive, systematic, and stratified research sampling techniques, i.e., mixed methods of data collection and analysis, were used. Primary and secondary data were sourced. 120 questionnaires were distributed, and 108 were retrieved. Key stakeholders who are in strategic positions in both the formal and informal land sector were surveyed. Results: The study revealed that smart land governance (SLG) system in Nigeria is possible but require full stakeholder support to maximize their workability and effectiveness, as it will promote transparency and boast an inclusive society for the benefit of present and future generations. Also, an insight into the benefits of smart land governance (SLG) was presented. A framework to enhance stakeholder and policy-maker decision-making was developed. Hence, it was concluded that an investment in advanced technological implements is necessary to stimulate strategic principles with respect to the principal multidimensional mechanisms of SLG.