Expert Seeks Urgent Reforms In Land Acquisition To Drive Infrastructure Dev’t

A leading expert in land management and infrastructure development, ESV. Emmanuel Mark, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s right of way acquisition processes to unlock sustainable infrastructure growth across the country.

In a newly released article titled “Public Infrastructure and Right of Way Acquisition in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges”, Mark emphasised that land acquisition remains one of the most pressing obstacles to infrastructure development, due to poor governance, outdated legal frameworks, and lack of transparency in the process.

“Access to land remains the greatest hurdle to infrastructure development in Nigeria. Despite the legal provision for compulsory acquisition, poor land administration and weak governance continue to frustrate the delivery of public infrastructure,” he stated.

Mark, who is a former president of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 84, and current 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), stressed the need for Nigeria to align its acquisition practices with international best standards. He noted that reforming the process to ensure fairness, transparency, and stakeholder involvement is essential for sustainable economic growth and equitable development.

Referencing global conventions and national laws such as the Land Use Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Dr. Mark highlighted the need to protect property rights while meeting public development goals. He also called on the government to engage professionals, such as estate surveyors and right of way specialists, to guide acquisition processes and prevent conflict.

He stated that, “Nigeria’s future infrastructure development depends on our ability to balance public need with property rights. Improved land governance and professional engagement are non-negotiable if we are to achieve meaningful progress.”

The article serves as a call to action for policymakers, urban planners, and development agencies to prioritise reform in right of way acquisition as a foundation for national development.