Informal residential land market in Nigerian cities: pro or anti-poor: The case of Ibadan metropolis

Abstract

Despite intendment of the Land Use Act, 1978 to bring all land under the control of respective State Governors, there remainsa dichotomy of access to urban land: formal (government) allocation and informal (traditional landowner’s) route. The generalconcern has always been delayed and initial high costs of getting land making the formal market inaccessible to poor citizens. Thispaper conducted a study of informal residential land market in selected localities of Ibadan, Nigeria to ascertain whether itconstitutes a blessing or curse to the poor. Data elicited through field observation and questionnaire administered on informalparticipants were analyzed statistically. Among other findings, virtually all transacted lands in the informal market were inperipheral locations lacking efficient layout and deficient of basic infrastructure. Invariably, additional sums were being incurredto provide and maintain these facilities. Furthermore, to secure recognizable title to give economic value to the land obtained fromthis market, re-acquisition from the government must take place through a process of ‘ratification’. Ultimately, land acquisitionthrough informal market has higher long-term costs and results in non-sustainable housing, infrastructure and environment. Urgentcorrective measures by urban management authorities anchored on incentives for popular public participation were re

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