ABSTRACT
This study examines urban villages as transformative symbols in Nigerian cities, providing affordable housing to low-income rural migrants and serving as a vital labor force for manufacturing and low-end services. However, limited property rights hinder the socio-economic progress of urban village inhabitants, preventing effective utilization and transfer for economic purposes. The paper proposes solutions by advocating for liberalizing the Nigerian Land Use Act (LUA) to establish a continuum of land rights encompassing formal and informal arrangements. Amendments to the LUA, particularly addressing urban villages, should consider customary laws and informal markets, ensuring permanent statutory right of occupancy under Section 8. Suspending or removing Section 22 would facilitate access to mortgage loans. These measures strengthen tenurial arrangements, promoting equitable and efficient land resource utilization. By endorsing a broader spectrum of land rights, the LUA can contribute to the economic development of urban villages and enhance the socio-economic well-being of their residents.
