ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the future of traditional land tenure in Northern Nigeria in the light of the various alien influences which have affected it since the Fulani conquest in 1804 and presents an analysis of the role which traditional land tenure can play in a rapidly developing society. Land tenure in Northern Nigeria has great similarities with tenure patterns elsewhere in Nigeria and in Africa, but the pattern has been affected greatly by two major influences, namely, Islamic law and British rule. British rule in Northern Nigeria started with the establishment of a Protectorate in 1900 which was one in name only until Lugard instigated the conquest of the Fulani from 1902 to 1903. In 1962 the independent Parliament of Northern Nigeria enacted the Land Tenure Law. This Law is an unqualified adoption by the government of Northern Nigeria of the principles relating to land tenure promulgated under British rule.
