How Does the Land Use Act Align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Nigeria's Land Use Act of 1978 plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's land tenure system and, consequently, influences its trajectory toward sustainable development. This article delves into how the Land Use Act aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributes to the broader vision of a more prosperous, just, and sustainable Nigeria.

1. SDG 1: No Poverty:

One of the primary objectives of the Land Use Act is to make land more accessible to all Nigerians, with a focus on the less privileged. By enabling equitable access to land and reducing poverty levels, the Act directly supports SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger:

Agriculture is a significant component of land use, and the Land Use Act provides a framework for sustainable land allocation for agricultural purposes. This contributes to SDG 2, which seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality:

The Land Use Act recognizes the rights of women to land ownership and participation in land allocation processes. By promoting gender equality in land access and ownership, it aligns with SDG 5, which seeks to empower women and girls.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:

The Act addresses urbanization by establishing a framework for land management in both urban and rural areas. It contributes to SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

5. SDG 15: Life on Land:

Sustainable land management is essential for preserving terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. The Land Use Act's provisions for responsible land use support SDG 15, which seeks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions:

The Act provides a legal framework for land ownership and land-related disputes, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions as outlined in SDG 16. It ensures that land tenure rights are protected, and land disputes can be resolved through established legal mechanisms.

7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals:

The Land Use Act fosters partnerships between government bodies, communities, and individuals to achieve its objectives. These partnerships align with SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.

8. Land Rights and Environmental Sustainability:

In addition to specific SDGs, the Land Use Act contributes to the broader agenda of environmental sustainability. It ensures that land is allocated and managed responsibly, helping to prevent environmental degradation and promote sustainable land use practices.

9. Challenges and the Way Forward:

While the Land Use Act aligns with several SDGs, it is essential to acknowledge that challenges and shortcomings persist. Implementation issues, conflicts in land allocation, and access to justice remain areas of concern.

Efforts to address these challenges, coupled with improved implementation, can enhance the Act's effectiveness in supporting the SDGs and achieving a more sustainable and equitable land tenure system in Nigeria.

WRITTEN BY CHAMAN LAW FIRM TEAM

Email: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com, info@chamanlawfirm.com

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