Government Compulsory Acquisition for Override Public Use: Legal Frameworks, Human Rights and Global Best Practices.

This study examines government compulsory acquisition of land for override public use, focusing on the interplay between legal frameworks, human rights and global best practices. The objective is to provide insights that strengthen policy formulation and implementation by analyzing how compulsory acquisition processes affect property rights, compensation and social equity. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to legal practitioners, property owners and government agencies using simple random sampling. Out of 336 questionnaires distributed to agencies, 203 were retrieved, while 371 were recovered from 408 distributed to affected property owners. Analytical techniques including frequency distribution, mean score analysis and factor analysis were employed to identify key determinants shaping acquisition outcomes. Findings reveal significant contrasts between jurisdictions with strong legal safeguards and those with weak enforcement. In contexts where acquisition is guided by transparent laws, fair compensation and participatory governance, outcomes emphasize justice, accountability and public trust. Conversely, in settings with inadequate frameworks, property owners face challenges of delayed compensation, lack of consultation and infringement of rights, highlighting concerns for equity and legitimacy. The study recommends that policymakers integrate international best practices, including adherence to human rights standards, transparent valuation methods and socio-economic impact assessments. Overall, compulsory acquisition requires balancing public interest with private rights to ensure sustainable development and social justice.