Effectiveness of Measures adopted in Land Disputes Resolution in Minna, Nigeria.

Abstract

Land disputes are a persistent challenge in many developing countries, often leading to social unrest, economic delays and legal complexities. This study investigates the major causes of land disputes and evaluates the effectiveness of various resolution measures adopted in addressing such conflicts in Minna Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 82 stakeholders, including Land owners, Land officials, Estate surveyors and valuers, and Community heads within Chanchaga and Bosso Local Government area of Minna, Niger state. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean scores and relative importance index (RII). Findings revealed that Inadequate title documentation (RII = 0.976), Failure to adopt alternative dispute resolution (ADR) measures (RII = 0.939) and Unclear boundaries (RII = 0.854) are the most prevalent causes of land disputes in the study area. On the other hand, factors like Failure to respond to changes (RII = 0.549) or adopt Business strategies involving litigation threats (RII = 0.659) were less frequently cited, though still relevant. The study further revealed that Arbitration, Negotiation, Adjudication and Conciliation which ranked 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th with RII of 0.854, 0.774, 0.739 and 0.717 respectively are the effective measures for resolving land disputes in the study area. Conversely, litigation which ranked lowest 7th with RII of 0.438 in effectiveness, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the formal court system, likely due to its cost, time, consumption, and procedural complexity. The relatively low ratings for Mediation and Private Judge which ranked 5th and 6th with RII of 0.673 and 0.490 respectively suggest lack of institutional support for their implementation. The study recommends strengthening institutional frameworks for arbitration, promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) awareness and improving land administrative processes to minimize disputes and foster peaceful land ownership and transactions.