Paper short abstract:

This article focuses on the causes of the current relative disarray of land ownership in Nigeria, exploring the historical and political reasons that have shaped the current ownership system from the perspective of historical institutionalism and the political settlement.

Paper long abstract:

This study presents an in-depth analysis of the evolution of land ownership in Nigeria, employing historical institutionalism to trace changes from the pre-colonial era to the present day, within the context of political settlements. The research utilizes systematic process analysis to dissect the land ownership systems through various historical periods, emphasizing the interplay of political power and institutional change. In the pre-colonial era, land ownership in Nigeria was a complex mix of Islamic systems, communal holdings, and family ownership, each contributing to a multifaceted understanding of land rights. The colonial period introduced significant shifts, as British influence overlaid formal land ownership systems and centralized control mechanisms on existing indigenous structures, leading to a hybridized land ownership model.

Post-colonial Nigeria faced challenges in reconciling these historical legacies with modern governance needs. The research uncovers that the Nigerian government's efforts in land reform have been hampered by insufficient vertical (central government authority) and horizontal (local and regional governance) political power. This inadequacy has resulted in a fragmented land ownership landscape, where historical practices and modern legal frameworks coexist yet often conflict, leading to low rates of formal land ownership and ongoing disputes.

The paper concludes that the root of current land ownership challenges in Nigeria lies in the deep-seated historical practices, overlaid by colonial modifications, and exacerbated by modern political inadequacies. It suggests that resolving these issues requires a nuanced understanding of the historical context and a concerted effort to bolster both vertical and horizontal political powers in the land reform process.