Compensation Deficits: Public Land Acquisition Experiences in South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

PURPOSE: This paper aims to review and examine how affected claimants/groups achieve acceptable values for their lands during and after the compensation processes in selected communities in southeastern Nigeria. DESIGN/METHODS FOLLOWED/APPROACH: Both desk research and field survey approaches were adopted. Relevant data were retrieved from 27 key informants among the Estate Surveyors and Valuers and 104 affected claimants all within the 5 selected States in the SouthEastern Nigeria. Suitable sampling approaches were adopted in the study. All field data collected from both categories of respondents were processed and analysed using simple percentages, Pearson's moment of correlation, averages and land price index (LPI), and presented on suitable tables. FINDINGS: The study revealed that some claimants/groups resisted public developments until more compensation was received, attempts were made to manipulate the existence of landed improvements, groups often forcefully demand ransom in cases where public estates are allocated for developments/investments, and initiate new negotiations with users before such developments could be allowed, Valuers lives and practice are highly threatened and often lose personal properties to compensation crises. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Further research is required to broaden the scope of information on the extent of individual and community adaptations to land value negotiations and security of public development projects arising from compulsory land acquisition in Nigeria. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study gives insight into the worsening illicit approaches to recovery of fair claims to land values as initiated by affected individuals or group from such communities within the southeastern region of Nigeria. ORIGINALITY/VALUE OF WORK: The outcome of this study shall assist both the State governments and the land policy review committee in Nigeria to undertake further extensive researches into the plights and adaptations of the affected groups whose lands are yet to be acquired for overriding public purposes.