Adverse Possession In Nigeria: A Legal Practitioner's Perspective

Imagine inheriting a valued family property, only to return years later and find that someone else has legally claimed it. This unsettling reality is made possible by adverse possession, a doctrine that allows an individual to claim legal ownership of land through continuous, open, and exclusive occupation without the consent of the rightful owner. In Nigeria, as in many other jurisdictions, this principle is rooted in the need to encourage the productive use of land while ensuring that property owners remain vigilant in protecting their rights. However, the application of adverse possession raises fundamental questions about justice, fairness, and the integrity of land tenure systems.