Land ownership is one of Nigeria’s few practices with a broad range of dimensions. It possesses deep historical, cultural, and economic roots in Nigeria. The complexities of land tenure have long been a catalyst for communal clashes, often violent, exacerbating tensions and contributing to the nation’s pervasive insecurity. According to the Nextier Violent Conflict Database, there have been 334 incidents of farmer herder clashes in Nigeria since 2020, with 2,215 casualties. Yet, amid the turmoil lies a potential remedy—a paradigm shift in the perception of ownership from a “dead capital” to a dynamic engine of economic growth and social stability.
At the heart of a significant portion of Nigeria’s communal clashes lies the concept of land ownership. There are Tiv and Jukun clashes in Taraba and Benue states, Ife and Modakeke intercommunal conflict, Aguleri-Umuleri conflict, clashes between communities in Cross River and Ebonyi states, and boundary disputes between Enugu and Kogi states’ communities. Traditionally, land in Nigeria carries a deep symbolic weight. It signifies ancestry, lineage, and belonging. This veneration often renders it an “idle asset” passed down through generations with limited economic use. This “dead capital”, once viewed merely as a familial or communal inheritance, has evolved into a contentious battleground where conflicting interests collide. From the fertile plains of the Middle Belt to the arid expanses of the North, disputes over land rights have fuelled violence, displacing communities and undermining the nation’s cohesion. As Nigeria’s population surges and competition for arable land intensifies, historical claims and perceived injustices fester. This results in the tragic spectacle of communities locked in violent disputes over a resource that could be a source of shared prosperity.
One of the most pressing manifestations of communal tensions is the recurrent clashes between herders and farmers. The pastoralist communities roam vast swathes of land in search of grazing pastures for their livestock. However, the herders’ traditional grazing routes, disrupted by urbanisation and population growth, now traverse farmlands, leading to deadly clashes. This isn’t simply a land dispute; it’s a symptom of a land management system stuck in the past. It is imperative to reassess the prevailing practices towards land ownership to address the root causes of violent clashes linked to land in Nigeria. Historically, land has been perceived as a static asset, a symbol of identity and heritage rather than a catalyst for economic development. This entrenched mindset has hindered efforts to unlock the untapped potential of land as a driver of prosperity and stability.
If adequately documented and titled, land could be used as collateral for mortgages, and farmers could leverage their land to secure irrigation, fertilisers, or improved seed loans. Herders could access financing to establish ranches, alleviating the pressure on farmlands. This wouldn’t erase historical grievances but introduce a crucial element – economic opportunity. A vibrant mortgage market wouldn’t just empower individuals, it would incentivise responsible land use. Land used productively becomes a source of income and repayment for the loan. This shared economic interest could foster dialogue and cooperation between communities. With secure access to ranches obtained through mortgages, cattle herders can enter into agreements with neighbouring farmers for grazing rights – a win-win for both communities.
Nigeria is not starting from scratch. The Land Use Act of 1978 vested ownership of all land in the government, a step towards formalisation. However, implementation has been uneven. In 2019, the Nigerian government floated the RUGA initiative to curb the longstanding clashes between nomadic herders and settled farmers. The federal government envisioned creating designated settlements with amenities like veterinary clinics and schools for herders to raise livestock without encroaching on farmlands. However, the initiative sparked controversy. Various Nigerian States feared it as a land grab favouring the Fulani herders, while some n saw it as insufficient. Ultimately, the plan was met with state resistance and a lack of public trust, leading to its suspension in favour of a different programme focused on ranching.
Renewed efforts at transparent mortgage systems are crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s land potential. This vision requires a robust legal and institutional framework. Clear land titling, efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, and a robust regulatory environment for financial institutions are all essential. Additionally, corruption, a persistent challenge in Nigeria, must be addressed to ensure fair mortgage access and prevent land grabs. It is crucial to ensure that the system is not susceptible to the “Elitist Theory,” which posits that allocating resources and opportunities is determined by a select group of individuals. The potential benefits, however, are immense. A functional mortgage market would not only unlock the economic potential of the land but also create a powerful incentive for peaceful coexistence. Individuals with a stake in the land, literally and figuratively, are less likely to resort to violence. This, in turn, would create a more stable and secure environment, attracting further investment and economic growth.
The pivotal role of land ownership in mitigating communal clashes cannot be overstated. By transforming land from a source of conflict into a development driver, the nation can unlock its economic potential and a future where communities can collaborate and thrive. The key lies not in dividing the land but in harnessing its collective power through the innovative tool of mortgages. It’s a bold vision, but the alternative – perpetual strife over a “dead capital” – is a future Nigeria simply cannot afford.
