Problems of Formal Land Acquisition Policies in Nigeria: The Case of Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The formal land acquisition policy provides for compulsory acquisition of land by the government for public interest. Although the Land Use Act has concerned itself with massive land acquisition since its promulgation during the colonial periods it suffers strong criticisms. Thus, this paper presents a further analysis of formal and informal methods of plot acquisition. Theoretical and empirical approaches were employed to collect data on hectares of land acquired and developed by the Adamawa State Government. The findings indicate that State Government acquired 470 hectares of land in the Greater Yola region between the years 2000 and 2010 out of which 178 hectares (38%) have been developed while 292 hectares (62%) remain undeveloped. Further analysis of data obtained revealed continued expansion of informality with a total of 1973 hectares of land. The paper finally highlights some implications of formal land acquisition policy, probes into the incidence of low development of acquired land and recommends measures to reduce the problems of formal land acquisition policy in the State. Keywords: Land, Land acquisition, Formal land acquisition, informal land acquisition, Greater Yola