Assessment of The Challenges and Way Forward of Land Acquisition and Certificate of Occupancy Processing Following Government Land Laws and Procedures in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Land is an important economic, social, and environmental resource that supports human settlement, agricultural production, infrastructure development, investment, and economic growth. In Nigeria, land administration is largely regulated by the Land Use Act of 1978, which provides the legal framework for rights of occupancy and the administration of land. Despite the existence of established procedures for land acquisition and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), applicants and landowners may encounter administrative delays, high transaction costs, bureaucratic procedures, inadequate land records, limited access to information, and institutional challenges. This study assesses the challenges associated with land acquisition and Certificate of Occupancy processing among landowners who have followed prescribed government laws and procedures in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The study focuses on the procedures for land acquisition, the challenges experienced by landowners, the roles of relevant institutions, and the socio-economic implications of these challenges. A descriptive survey and case-study research design is proposed. Data will be collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document review from landowners, land administration officials, registered surveyors, legal practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data will be subjected to thematic analysis. The study is expected to contribute to improved land administration by identifying institutional and procedural weaknesses and proposing measures including digitisation, improved cadastral records, transparent application tracking, public enlightenment, institutional coordination, and staff capacity development. The findings will be useful to government agencies, landowners, planners, researchers, surveyors, and other stakeholders involved in land administration and urban development in Yola North.