Housing Crisis: How Legal Loopholes, Corrupt Elites, and Government Inaction Fuel a False Land Ownership Boom By Daniel Okonkwo In a country grappling with an alarming housing deficit, the sight of sprawling estates and vacant luxury buildings in Abuja’s most exclusive districts is a painful irony. While millions of Nigerians struggle to find affordable homes, thousands of properties remain unoccupied—some for over two decades. A common urban myth, whispered among those familiar with Nigerian land law, claims that if a person occupies an abandoned property for 12 years without interference, they can legally claim ownership. This belief is partially grounded in truth. The Limitation Act of 1966 sets a 12-year limitation period within which a landowner must reclaim possession or risk losing their legal rights through adverse possession. However, the application of adverse possession in Nigeria is anything but simple. For a claim to succeed, certain legal conditions must be strictly ...
Profiles International Human Rights Advocate is a distinguished human rights blog and advocacy platform founded and managed by renowned Nigerian journalist and human rights advocate, Daniel Okonkwo. Committed to the promotion of human rights, justice, good governance, and social equity, the blog has become a credible voice for the oppressed and a watchdog for accountability in Nigeria and beyond. With a strong focus on investigative journalism, policy advocacy, and social commentary, Profiles International Human Rights Advocate publishes well-researched articles that bring critical social, legal, political, and environmental issues to public attention. Core Focus Areas 1. Human Rights Issues 2. Advocacy for victims of human rights violations and systemic injustice. Campaigns for legal and policy reforms to protect civil liberties. Monitoring and reporting on state and non-state abuses. 2. Social Justice Exposés on inequality, marginalization, and discrimination. Stories that highl...