Land Allocation Patterns and Gender Inclusiveness for Residential Property Development in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Land allocation is a critical issue in residential property development, influencing economic empowerment, housing security, and overall well-being. In North Central Nigeria, access to land is shaped by a combination of statutory laws, customary practices, and socio-economic factors, which disproportionately favor men over women. This paper explores the gender inclusiveness in land allocation, focusing on the socio-cultural, economic, and legal barriers that hinder women’s access to land for residential development. Through an analysis of existing frameworks such as Nigeria's Land Use Act of 1978 and customary land tenure systems, the study identifies the key obstacles that limit women’s participation in property ownership. The primary objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that explains these land allocation patterns and identifies strategies for promoting gender inclusiveness in land distribution. Drawing on recent research and policy developments, the study outlines potential legal reforms, socio-cultural changes, and economic interventions necessary to ensure that women have equitable access to land. The paper recommends that the Nigerian government, in collaboration with local authorities in North Central Nigeria, should reform land policies to ensure gender inclusiveness, such as introducing quotas for women in land allocation and the paper concludes that equitable land distribution is essential for women's economic empowerment and for achieving broader development goals in North Central Nigeria.