By Ahmed papa kanu
The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning has uncovered thousands of acres of land in the Western Rural District, which it says fall under state ownership and Occupants Given Six-Month Deadline for Verification of their documents.
Addressing journalists, the Professional Head of Lands and survey at the the Ministry, Mr. Tamba S. Dauda, explained that under the current land tenure system, all colony lands are considered state lands. He emphasized that it is the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning to protect, regulate, and manage such lands in the interest of the state and its people.
Mr. Dauda further disclosed that several individuals have wrongfully occupied these lands, with some even erecting permanent structures without proper authorization. He cautioned that many of the documents presented by certain occupants had been illegally signed by persons who had neither the knowledge nor the legal authority to issue them.
To address the situation, the Ministry has launched a verification exercise. Occupants of the identified lands are required to present their land documents to the Deputy Director of Surveys and Lands at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning for scrutiny.
The Ministry has given a six-month grace period, beginning 1st September 2025 and ending 1st January 2026, for all affected landholders to comply. According to Mr. Dauda, anyone who fails to present valid documents within this period risks forfeiting their land rights to the state.
As part of this exercise, the Ministry has already erected official signboards in key communities including Katu Village, 5-Mile Village, 6-Mile Village, Brama Village, and other surrounding villages. Authorities from the Ministry are also actively engaging with traditional leaders, particularly village headmen, to sensitize residents and ensure full cooperation.
Mr. Dauda strongly advised all concerned individuals to take the verification process seriously, warning that once the deadline expires, the Ministry will have no option but to reclaim such lands on behalf of the state.
