Land Ownership Reform: ACF urges Northern Governors to act as TYF sounds alert for SW

May 01, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Governors of the 19 northern states to carry out a comprehensive reform of land ownership and control to prevent foreigners from taking over their lands.

ACF Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, emphasized that the current system has led to growing hostility and hate mongering against northerners in the South, exacerbated by unequal and discriminatory policies of the Federal Government toward the North.

“The time has come for Governors and legislators in the northern states to carry through a comprehensive reform of the system of land ownership and control,” Dalhatu stated.

He noted that authorities in the North must ensure that northerners do not become landless in their own territory, especially given the current scramble for land by foreigners.

Dalhatu also alleged that northerners are being maltreated and attacked in the Southern region, describing it as ironic and painful given the North’s long-standing hospitality towards people from all parts of Nigeria.

“In many parts of the South, especially in the Southeast, a northerner cannot expect to acquire one square foot of land, not to speak of owning any significant landed property,” he said.

The ACF also demanded the immediate review of the law creating the Federal Capital Territory in 1976 and the need to create a state for the indigenous people of Abuja.

“The Federal Government has failed to adequately implement its provisions, and the indigenous people of the FCT have been forcefully driven away from their ancestral land and rendered landless and homeless,” Dalhatu added.

In a separate statement, Think Yoruba First (TYF), a Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has called on the South West Governors not to sleep on the Land Use Act in the region.

The group has raised concerns about the Land Use Act in the South West.

According to TYF, “The Act gives too much power to ‘Non-Yorubas’, which has led to abuse of the privilege.” TYF emphasized the need for a review that will favor Yoruba people, stating, “We need a reveal that will prioritize the interests of the Yoruba people and ensure that our land and resources are protected and utilized for our benefit.”

TYF further stressed that the current system is unfair and requires urgent attention.

“It’s imperative that our governors take a closer look at this Act and make necessary amendments to safeguard our territory and resources,” TYF said.

“The Yoruba people deserve a land administration system that serves their interests and promotes equitable access to land.”