Alignment of the legal and institutional framework of Ekiti state land administration against the fit-for-purpose land administration framework principles

Abstract

Achieving significance and sustainability in land administration systems (LASs) requires that LASs be ‘fit-for-purpose.’ There is an increased need for institutional and legal reform to provide significant and sustainable LASs. These reforms will be beneficial to peri-urban dwellers. Achieving success in this reform will require collaboration between customary and statutory institutions and the people. This study assesses Ekiti State’s land administration systems using the institutional and legal framework of Fit-for-purpose land administration (FFPLA). The study limits the assessment to two frameworks as the study's objectives relate to institutions and the legal framework of land administration systems. Primary and secondary data about land administration systems in Ekiti State were collected. In-depth interviews were conducted about land administration systems in Ekiti State. Using the structure of the FFPLA, the results reveal the need for improvement in the institution and legal framework for land administration. The discussion was made from the case study findings, which were then used to develop a score table. There is no flexible framework designed along administrative lines; individual ownership prevails over a continuum of tenure. There is a provision for a formal land registration system that excludes most peri-urban dwellers. There is still some form of gender discrimination regarding land and property rights. An overlap in functions and responsibilities of land administration institutions causes fragmentation in Ekiti State. The study is essential for policymakers, professionals, and academics reforming LASs.