An appraisal of the procedures for direct grant and conversion of statutory right of occupancy in Kaduna, Nigeria

Land has remained an indispensable companion to man providing a base for his activities; thus, a basic necessity in life in which all activities has a link with. In most parts of Nigeria, Kaduna inclusive, land acquisition is a sensitive issue and is beset with a lot of problems. Thus, the introduction of the Land Use Decree 1978 which was an attempt by the Federal Government of Nigeria to solve these problems. But till date these problems still persist. It is against this background that this paper is embarked upon with a view to identifying the challenges bedeviling the land acquisition process using Kaduna as a case study. The findings of this study bring to fore the problems that are encountered in acquiring land such as lack of modern technology and information storage/retrieval systems; corrupt practices of the staff of the ministry; political influence and delay in the process among others. Amongst its recommendation includes advising the ministry of lands, survey and country planning to re-certify all land documents in the study area as is currently the case in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja with a view to having an up to date record of all land and transactions on them.   Key words: Alienation, Kaduna, land, land use act, statutory right of occupancy.