ABANDONED PROPERTIES ACT
Act · Governance
An Act enables the Federal Government to take custody and manage abandoned properties from the civil war. It targets property owners and state governments. This aims to prevent property deterioration and unauthorized occupation.
ABANDONED PROPERTIES ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act providing for the Federal Government to take custody of abandoned properties, particularly those abandoned during the civil war, and to manage, administer, or dispose of them appropriately.
Who Does It Target?
Owners of properties abandoned during the civil war Federal Government managing abandoned properties State governments where abandoned properties are situated Courts adjudicating abandoned property claims
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Provide a legal framework for managing properties abandoned during the civil war and other crises, preventing deterioration and unauthorised occupation.
Key Features
Government Custody: Federal Government takes custody of declared abandoned properties. Management: Government manages abandoned properties, collecting rents and maintaining them. Claims: Legitimate owners may apply to have properties returned with proof of title. Disposal: In certain circumstances, government may sell or transfer abandoned properties.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active (limited — most civil war properties resolved) Coverage: Abandoned properties primarily in southeastern states Beneficiaries: Legitimate property owners; occupied communities Funding: Federal Government; rental revenues
How to Access
Claim abandoned property by applying to the relevant authority with proof of ownership Claims must be supported by pre-abandonment title documents Disputed claims referred to courts Application method: File claims with Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
Important Terms
Properties abandoned voluntarily are not covered — only those left due to emergency or war The Act does not extinguish title — owners may reclaim upon application Some civil war era claims are still being resolved in courts
Official Resources
Website: https://www.worksandhousing.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Works and Housing
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Abandoned Properties (Certain Lagos Properties) Vesting Act. Operates alongside the Land Use Act 1978, which vests all land in state governors, and Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution on compulsory acquisition with compensation. Implementation is managed by the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Federal Ministry of Finance through approved asset management frameworks.