The Niger State Government has raised alarm over the subdivision and sales of lands originally allocated to Federal agencies located in Niger State.
The State government through the Ministry of Lands and Housing warned that it will invoke the instrument of the appropriate legal means to prevent the illegal subdivision of such lands.
Addressing journalists at a news briefing in his office in Minna the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Lands in Niger State Dr. Abdul Hussain announced that the parcels of land, already designated for official and public use are being illegally subdivided and sold to private individuals without prior notice, statutory approval from the governor or compliance with the needed grant condition.
“ It has come to the notice of the Ministry that land allocated to some Federal Agencies in Niger State is now being illegally subdivided and sold to some private individuals without prior notice, statutory approval from the governor.
“ We are no longer going to accept this unlawful act anymore. The Governor is the Chief Land officer of the state. If by any reason that a land that is allocated to any Federal Agencies in the state for any purpose and such purpose is not realizable the state government needs to be informed”, the Permanent Secretary told journalists.
Dr. Abdul Hussaini emphasized that such actions violate legal agreements and breach the constitutional authority vested in the governor over land management, as outlined by the Land Use Act of 2004.
“Allottees, whether government agencies or their representatives, are instructed to stop all unauthorized land dealings immediately. They are also encouraged to formalize any ongoing transactions by seeking proper approval and to inform the authorities of any proposed land use changes supported by relevant federal agencies.
“Failure to comply will lead to legal actions, including possible revocation of land titles and repossession of the land, to maintain order and protect public interest.
This firm warning demonstrates the state government's dedication to sustainable land management and cooperation with federal agencies to safeguard public assets.” he added.
