The Role of the Land Use Act in Shaping Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria

The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development. This study investigates the implications of the Land Use Act on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities it presents. The paper examines how the centralization of land ownership, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy implementation have hindered the adoption of eco-friendly building practices. Conversely, it also explores the potential of the Act to support sustainability through provisions like Environmental Impact Assessments and the possibility for localized green initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The qualitative component involved a review of relevant literature and policy documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders such as government officials, construction professionals, and environmental advocates. The quantitative analysis was based on secondary data from government reports and industry publications to evaluate trends in the adoption of sustainable construction methods. Findings indicate that while the Land Use Act contains elements that can support sustainable construction, its current implementation lacks the clarity and enforcement mechanisms needed to be effective. High land registration costs and lengthy acquisition processes were identified as major barriers. However, stakeholders also recognized the Act’s potential if reformed to reduce bureaucracy, introduce policy incentives, and enhance stakeholder engagement. This study recommends key reforms to streamline land acquisition, promote eco-friendly materials, and strengthen institutional capacity. With these improvements, the Land Use Act could serve as a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development goals within Nigeria’s built environment.