Unlocking hidden wealth – the impact of the Systematic Land Title Registration project in Nigeria

Before the Systematic Land Title Registration (SLTR) project[1], acquisition of land assets involved extended delays, administrative obstructions and high costs in Kano State and in the majority of Nigeria.

By operating a mapping system using GPS, registering and issuing certificates of occupancy to landowners, the SLTR has made it possible for beneficiaries to unlock hidden wealth, escape poverty and create business opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises.

The European Union (EU) funded project in partnership with Kano State’s ministry of land delivered certificates of occupancy to interested land owners in the 8 benefiting local government areas for as little as 5 000 Naira (€14). While the traditional system costs sometimes exceeded 300 000 Naira (€800) without providing any guarantee of success.

Watch out video interview of Frank Okafor, EU Delegation to Nigeria:

Women’s participation, an economic game-changer

Men and women are affected differently by tax reform, land administration or business licensing procedures. Business environment reform is far from gender neutral in Nigeria despite the well-established link between women’s economic empowerment and economic growth.

The SLTR programme has given women a big push towards economic freedom and improved wellbeing. “One of our success stories is about a woman, Jamila Yusuf Karaye who lost her parents, and became the main family breadwinner. She lives in Tarauni, Kano State in the northern part of Nigeria where women are usually denied access to their inheritance. We have been able to support her to grow a business by facilitating land titling and access to affordable and tailored credit. She is now sending her younger siblings to school” said Frank Okafor, member of the EU Delegation to Nigeria.

Opportunities generated from trade have brought more household resources under women’s control, which in turn has had a positive effect on the overall investment in the health and education of future generations.

Key components for women’s business growth

Examining some of women success stories in Kano, a study conducted by the EU implementing partner in Nigeria Adam Smith International identified a series of enabling characteristics, factors and skills that increased entrepreneurship and employment and allowed small businesses to become medium-scale businesses.

The study aimed at highlighting the needs, skills, barriers and opportunities for female entrepreneurs, and identified critical points where the EU funded project could create linkages and introduce activities to enhance women’s employment and trade opportunities.

One of the five key elements identified as critical to building an enabling environment for women’s business growth includes land.

[1] Funded by the EU and implemented through the GEMS3 of DFID/ASI