Overview

The Land Use Act (Chapter L5) is a Nigerian federal law enacted on March 29, 1978, that vests all land in each state's territory (excluding federal lands) in the state Governor, who holds it in trust for the people. The Governor manages land in urban areas, while local governments handle non-urban areas. The Act establishes rights of occupancy (statutory and customary), regulates alienation, provides for compensation upon revocation, and sets up a framework for land tenure, rent, and dispute resolution. It nullifies certain transactions without consent, defines penalties for unauthorized use, and preserves the Governor's power to revoke rights. The Act also modifies existing laws and applies to all states, with special provisions for federal lands.

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