EFFECT OF COMPULSORY LAND ACQUISITION ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF LAND OWNERS IN AKURE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study carries out an effect of compulsory land acquisition on the livelihood of land owners in Akure, Nigeria. The scope of the Study is limited to the High Court and NEPA- Oluwatuyi, this is because this area represents one of the recent road construction projects embarked upon by the State Government. This area is characterized by its proximity to the Central Business District (CBD) of the City as well as the Administrative seat of the state in Alagbaka, Akure, this gives the area a healthy balance between both commercial and residential activities. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were considered among others; identification of the existing interest in compulsory acquired lands in the study area; examination of the adequacy of the process of land acquisition in the study area; analysis of the effect of compulsory land acquisition on the livelihood of land owners; and analysis the perception of land owners to compulsory acquisition of land in the study area. The data for the study was collected through structured questionnaire administered to two hundred and seventy-one (271) affected persons in the compulsory acquisition exercise carried out in the study area for the purpose of road construction and an interview session with the Ondo state ministry of works and housing. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (Frequency Distribution, content analysis and Relative Importance Index) and inferential statistics (Multiple Linear Regression). The result shows Freehold Interest to be type of Interest held by majority of the respondents in their properties at 68.6%. The analysis of the interview with officials of the ministry of works and housing revealed that although there is no constituted law as regards the process of acquisition, the process used by the state government was fair. The regression analysis carried out on the effect of compulsory acquisition shows that variables such as Loss of inheritance and Loss of business activities have much more effect on the livelihood of land owners in the study area. The perception of the land owners that they suffered loss of business 6 activities and that the compensation paid is not commensurate to dispossession ranks highest with 0.979 and 0.942 respectively on the Relative Importance Index carried out on the perception of land owners to compulsory acquisition in the study area. The study therefore recommends that government takes more proactive steps by promulgating laws that will comprehensively guide the process of acquisition, and adequately compensate affected persons in such a way that people are not left worse off than they were before the compulsory acquisition process started.