Some experts and stakeholders in the building sector have advised the federal government to complete the ongoing land reform to fast-track economic growth.

The experts commended the efforts of the federal government to formulate a National Land Policy, which will guide effective, sustainable and equitable distribution of land resources. 

The experts made the remarks in a communique at the end of the 28th Conference of Directors of Lands in the federal and state ministries, departments and agencies, held in Lagos from November 15 to 16.

The conference, which had the theme, ‘‘Improving Land-Based Revenue of the Federating Units in Nigeria through Efficient and Effective Land Administration,” was chaired by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.

The experts urged all tiers of government to prioritise the management of fixed assets, which represented important resources for the delivery of services and attainment of their objectives.

They called for the digitisation of land titling and registration, reforms, collaboration and synergy by all stakeholders in property and land administration and transactions for rapid development.

The delegates called for capacity building for all cadres of staff in land administration and unbundling of estate management courses to capture financial aspects that will serve the housing sector effectively.

They also called for a review of land charges to empower more people with ownership while advocating for population control among low-income earners.

The experts similarly recommended sanctions for rent defaulters, noted the need for periodic demand notices for ground rents and challenged land office holders to discharge their official responsibilities courageously.

They explained the need for the Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC) and LAAC to be in all the states and local councils as a panacea for efficient land administration.

The experts also advocated amendment and enactment of new laws, including the Land Use Act, to stimulate real estate activities.

They called for housing support services and technical assistance programmes to be provided by the government and CBN to help primary mortgage institutions recapitalise for long-term funding to developers and end users.

Directors of lands from federal and state ministries, departments and agencies, and directors of lands in the FCT attended the conference.

Other attendees included representatives of Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Also present were, representatives of Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

The experts urged the CBN, FMBN, NIESV, REDAN and Housing Finance Professionals Association of Nigeria (HOFPAN) to collaborate and the National University Commission to unbundle Estate Management courses for viability.

The delegates noted the need to renew the Standing Committee on Resolving all Pending Land Issues between the Lagos State government and federal government, among other recommendations.

 (NAN)