Overview Of Cadastral System In The Dispensation Of National Sustainable Development In Nigeria

In the context of real estate, land is defined as a property or real estate, not including buildings or equipment that does not occur naturally. Depending on the title, land ownership may also give the holder the rights to all natural resources on the land. These may include water, plants, human and animal life, fossils, soil, minerals, electromagnetic features, geographical location, and geophysical occurrences (Investopedia, 2015). To the economists land comprises all naturally occurring resources whose supply is inherently fixed. Land as a factor of production is of immense importance. Suffix to say, everything that we use can be traced ultimately to land. Land may be rightly called the original source of all material wealth. The economic prosperity of a country is closely linked with the richness of her natural resources. However, it is possible that a country is what nature has made it. It is possible that a country, rich in natural resources, may remain poor (Nigeria for instance) owing to some unfavorable factors. But if nature has been unkind and has not given rich resources to a country, it will not be easy to make it prosperous. Hence, all aspects of economic life, agriculture, trade and industry are generally influenced by land (Furzee & Minakshi, 2013). However, the driving force of growth and sustainable development of any country around the globe is the nation‟s access to reliable and necessary geo-information, it is becoming essential to understanding what is happening and what will happen in geographic space. Hence, cadastral system ambiguously define the limit of land parcels on the earth‟s surface on the basis of law, rights and restrictions, title or deed registration based on the parcel of property. Central to all cadastral system is the “cadastre”, which is a methodologically arranged public inventory of data concerning all legal land objects in certain country or district based on the survey of their boundaries (Kaufmann, 1998). Abstract: An investigation into understanding of the principles cadastral systems and land administration in the dispensation of sustainable development is the focus of this paper. This work examines land ownership and cadastral system management as it is applicable in Nigeria. The objectives of this paper therefore are to: understand what determines the ownership of land in the developing world; analyze the global trend of cadastral system; find out the existing situation and current performance of cadastral system in Nigeria; and suggest necessary measures to be taken in improving cadastral system in the developing nations. A critical review of literature on the subject matter and related issues was carried out. This study concludes by emphasizing the importance of cadastral system: cadastre is a very essential ingredient for effective management of the land resource. Cadastral system aids planning as they constitute a veritable land data base for identifying available land for development. The paper thus recommended as follows: Interaction between citizens and the relevant institution is necessary, as this would enhance sustainability of the whole process; Stability and transparency of the government and other institution is also need in sustaining good cadastral and land administration system; also mutual understanding and cooperation among operators and practioners in terms of sharing necessary data will help in achieving good cadastral Management. Finally, there should be capacity building among the relevant stakeholders.