FG BEGINS REVIEW OF COMPENSATION RATES FOR CROPS, ECONOMIC TREES * fair and adequate compensation, a moral duty not mere legal obligation - Dangiwa  * President Tinubu has shown political will to implement reforms - Dangiwa Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has revealed that the Federal Government is on the verge of introducing revised compensation rates for individuals affected during land acquisitions for public projects, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to critical land reforms towards effective land administration in the country.   Dangiwa spoke at the 2024 National Technical Development Forum on Land Administration focusing on the Review of Compensation Rates on Crops and Economic Trees for Project-Affected Persons in Nigeria, Monday 21st October 2024   The Minister noted that a review of the current compensation rates has become important for the purpose of ensuring project-affected individuals get fair value for their sacrifice.   In addition,  he underscored the critical value of crops and economic trees such as cocoa, palm, kola nut, mango, and cashew trees, among others, stating that they are not just sources of income, but multi-generational assets that represent years, even decades, of labor and hope.   "These trees are also tied to cultural and social identities. When displaced or destroyed in the course of land acquisition for public projects, the loss can be devastating, not only financially but emotionally. That is why it is essential to ensure that compensation rates reflect the true value of these assets, considering both their immediate and long-term economic importance," he said.   Explaining further,  he said the review is a priority of the current administration and a central focus of effective land administration.    "The Land Use Act of 1978 stipulates that the government has the right to acquire land for public purposes. But it also provides the framework for fair compensation when public land acquisition affects livelihoods. However, the reality on the ground often reflects delays, disputes, and inadequate compensation that fails to account for the true value of agricultural investments" he stated   The Minister also said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, believed that adequate compensation for crops and economic trees is not just a legal obligation; but a moral one.   Accordingly, he emphasised the importance of an effective land administration system, considering its importance for agriculture, industry, housing and urban development and its pivotal place as a lifeline for millions of Nigerians, pointing out that what the country has lacked for decades is effective land administration, and not a lack of land.   "It is important to note that as a country, we are blessed with vast land covering about 923,769 square kilometers. We do not have a shortage of land. What we lack is effective administration and management of this massive resource that providence has bestowed on us. And until we can do so, we may not be able to unlock its potential and to develop at the pace that we need to" he stated   Dangiwa, further noted that, Nigeria, unfortunately, for decades has been battling with issues such as security of land tenor, title and legal rights of possession, frictions in land transactions, coexistence of different categories of land rights (Native Rights, Customary Rights of Occupancy, and Statutory Rights of Occupancy…   Accordingly, he explained thet the Land Use Act was intended to harmonize these laws, which it's implementation has been inconsistent, largely due to the absence of comprehensive guidelines. This,  he said  has left gaps in the uniform application of the Act, which 'we are now determined to address'   While acknowledging the efforts of the National Technical Development Forum on Land Administration since its establishment in 2006, he stressed that a lack of political will to implement the great ideas and solutions of the past has rendered its efforts of no significant impact on Nigerians.   "Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in land administration. To achieve this, we are bringing a new sense of urgency, political commitment, and determination. Fortunately, we now have a president who not only possesses the political will but also the determination to see these solutions implemented" Dangiwa remarked   In addition, the Minister also disclosed that he was pleased, coming on board to reviewed the NTDF’s Terms of Reference and see that they align closely with the goals of  Renewed Hope Agenda for streamlining land administration.   " There is still a lot more that the NTDF can do to achieve its objectives, starting with aiming to achieve a 70% score in its delivery of the aims and objectives of its founders.   In his remark,  Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by the Head, Public Private Partnership (PPP), Arc Abimbola Asei said the forum has been organised to validate the submissions and data gathered from field  work by the World Bank Consultant.   Dr Ogunbiyi emphasized, " the review rates to be adopted should reflect current market realities and incorporate inflation rates, changes in agricultural yields, cost of agricultural inputs to ensure that Project Affected Person receive compensation that mirrors the true value of their loss "   He also maintained that the rates should reflect future economic potential of crops and economic tree,  and the unique agricultural conditions, adding market realities of each geo-political zones must also be considered.   The Permanent Secretary also reiterated the ministry's commitment in ensuring that compensation of crops and economic trees is fair, transparent, and reflective of current realities.   Ogunbiyi further charged delegates with the adoption of "a human - centered approach that prioritize the well-being of the  communities affected by public project."   Also speaking, Senior Social Development Assistant, World Bank Group, Dr Michael Ilesanmi noted that the Forum and the new direction it is taking is a key step in strengthening Nigeria's capacity for environmental and social management, as well as the processes for land acquisition, resettlement and compensation.   The Chairman of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), ESV Asiwaju Dosu Fatokun, hailed the commitment of the Minister and his team in driving the reforms, especially towards ensuring fair compensation for project-affected individuals and increased access to land for Developmental projects.   Director of the Department of Lands and Housing Development at the Ministry, ESV Collins Alabi expressed his excitement at the momentum with which the current land reforms are taking place, noting that the revision of the compensation rates is an integral component of the overall reforms being driven by the ministry   He thanked the minister for the support and innovation accorded the department since coming on board, noting that the next few months and years will unveil the fruits of all that has been done in recent time. ...

FG's Urban Development Agenda, A Necessesity for Wellbeing of Future Genenerations - Minister Gwarzo   ** Says, sector policy initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deliberate for collective good.   Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo has stated that the integrated urban development agenda under the housing and urban development sector was intended to provide positive transformation of urban landscafe at all levels, thereby securing the future for Nigerians.   Minister Gwarzo stated this in his closing address of the 2024 National Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations in Nigeria held at Dejavu Hotels abd Suites, Akure, Ondo State.   The address of the Minister was read on his behalf by Director Urban and Regional Development of the Ministry, Tpl Dr Olakunde Akionola David.   " It is imperative that we continue to prioritise sustainable development in all our planning and implementation efforts .... sustainable development is not just a goal, rather it is a necessity for the wellbeing of our current and future generations " Gwarzo stated   The theme for the 2024 conference is 'Effective Physical Planning as a Panacea for Integrated and Sustainable Urban Development in Nigeria "   Gwarzo who described the conference a valuable opportunity to catalogue the honest efforts of the current administration towards repositioning Nigeria's housing and urban development sector, commended the dutiful and indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the massive strides in pointedly addressing issues of housing and sustainable development.   Accordingly, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the many sector players at the states' governments level doing quite alot, saying what is remaining is to integrate and galvanize the individual efforts into a single and indivisible whole.   " By integrating sustainable practices, we can create urban environments that are resilient, inclusive and capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation " he concluded   The Minister called on the participants to have a common focus on creating green spaces, promoting energy efficient buildings and ensuring that urban planning processes are environmentally friendly, pointing out that sustainable development will not only enhance the quality of life for citizens but also position Nigeria as one of the leaders in Innovative and responsible urban development.   Ondo State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Bunmi Alade and Professor Albert Abegunde, a member of National Institute of Town Planners (NIPL), and Lecturer in University of Ife, attended the closing ceremony.   The three days conference was attended by 197 Participants from 31 States of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).   ...

MINISTER GWARZO JOINS SPANIARDS CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY    Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, His Excellency, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has joined Spanish community in Nigeria to celebrate this year's (2024) Spain National Day at a reception organised by the country's embassy in Abuja.   The Minister, earlier, in a congratulatory letter sent to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Juan Ignacio Sell, noted that the longstanding bilateral relation between Nigeria and Spain brought about numerous benefits to both countries.   Minister Gwarzo, praised Spaniards for preserving their rich cultural heritage which he said facilitated the country's developmental achievements, adding that the commemoration of the national day signifies the value attached to the esteemed norms of the Spaniards.   He sought more collaboration between Spain and Nigeria especially in the area of Housing and Urban Development. "I look forward to further strengthen our bond as we work towards sustainable urban solutions which will be beneficial to the two countries," the Minister stated.   During the reception, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Juan Ignacio Sell has expressed his country's appreciation to the Minister Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo whom he described as the friend of Spain.    He further hailed the existing  mutual diplomatic relations between Nigeria and his country. Mr. Sell, said the two nations will continue to work together for the attainment of the aspirations of their people.   ...