ASSESSMENT OF LAND TITLE REGISTRATION IN OGUN STATE BUREAU OF LANDS AND SURVEY

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing land title registration in Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey with a view to providing information that will improve the title processing in the State. The objectives are to identify the processes and procedures of land title registration; investigate the various costs associated with land title registration; assess the mechanisms involved in land title registration/perfection and; examine the challenges hindering effective land title registration. Primary data were sourced from heads and a senior staff of department of administration and supplies, land services, geographical information system, land management, finance and accounts, survey and land title ratification in Bureau of Lands and Survey and practicing Estate Surveyors and Valuers firms in Abeokuta. The secondary data were collected from previous related literatures, journals and internet. 65 questionnaires were administered in which 57 were duly completed and returned which represent 87.7% of the administered questionnaires. Data were presented and analysed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency table and mean score ranking. Findings from the study revealed that the cost effectiveness of the processes involved in land titling and registration include cost of service provided, capability and competence of the staff, quality and reliability of information, procedures and policies of land title registration. Findings further revealed the challenges against effective land titling and registration in Ogun State, which include absent of modern technological system such as geographical information system (GIS) in most land registry, inadequate funding of the land registry, haphazard storage of land documents at the registry which affect immediate and efficient retrieval, supply of electricity, inaccurate capturing of all parcels of land in all the state through proper and efficient cadastral surveys were the major challenges in the registry. Also administrative, technology adoption and sustainability and institutional capacity were the major issues in land titling and registration. Homeowner charter and geographic information system were the mechanism behind land titling registration in the State. The study recommended official cost of land title registration should be reduced to the barest minimum as well as corruption, which is another bane in land title registration. This is reflected in various unofficial charges an applicant is made to pay directly/indirectly at various stages of processing. When this is added to the official charges that are already on the high side, it makes the cost much higher, unaffordable and a disincentive to property development and investment.