Archives of Humanities & Social Sciences Research
ISSN: 3065-3568 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-3568
Thomas U. Omali
Embracing the 2030 Programme for Sustainable Development suggests a novel paradigm for international development policy and partnership. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address all nations and emphasize the integration of economic, social, and ecological goals. This represents an action plan for people, the planet and prosperity intended to strengthen universal peace in greater freedom. Specifically, five SDGs prove the importance of land to sustainable human development relying on eight targets and 12 quantifiable indicators in the SDGs scheme. This review focused on the role of land tenure policy in achieving SDGs in Nigeria. It is indicated in this paper that more than one land tenure system has developed in Nigeria under the influence of historical, cultural and economic dynamics. In the past two centuries, most lands in Nigeria were properties of the traditional societies and communities or to the upper authorities of monarchs. However, the rise of colonialism in the 19th century gave rise to changes in the dimensions of land ownership, title, and management, through different sets of laws. Furthermore, the postindependence era and government in Nigeria inherited the colonial system, which has been subjected to many adjustments and readjustments over the years. Summarily, this review found that access to land or securing tenure rights is central to eradicating poverty (SDG 1), contributing to food security (SDG 2), eradicating gender inequality and empowering women (SDG 5), building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban areas (SDG 11), and reducing land degradation (SDG 15).