LAND REGISTRY PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

LAND REGISTRY PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

1.0 Introduction

Real Estate is the expression most widely used in the USA and in the English Language generally to describe a form of ownership in land. Both words ‘real’ and ‘estate’ have their origins in English law developed in the Middle Ages. English law has no room for outright individual ownership. This was a privilege reserve to the crown (originally to William the conqueror, who acquires title to the nation in 1066 by Conquest- So often the method of acquisition in human history). The conquest was an instance for centralization, of control over lands that was by no means unique. Nor is it antiquated. The most populous country in the world, the people’s republic of China is just one present- day example of a state in which outright ownership of urban land by individual Or corporation is not recognize. State ownership of urban land was made constitutional in 1982 as part of a process of economic reform, although private ownership had virtually ceased in 1953. Real estate is not therefore ownership, in the sense that goods and personal effects, money, shares and other things (known as personal property in English law) are owned. Land is inherently different from all other classes of property in that it is given not made, fixed, and Immovable. On the other hand, real property is a term which distinguishes land from personal property; it is land and- all that is permanently attached to it. English law it includes trees and natural growing things attached, everything under and above it, and improvements in the forms buildings and other construction. Land -registration generally describes systems by which matters concerning ownership, possession or other rights in land can be recorded (usually with a government agency or department) to provide evidence of title, facilitate transactions and to prevent unlawful disposal. The information recorded and the protection will vary by jurisdiction. Land Registry

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