An estate surveying and valuation firm says securing property titles and proper documentation is the most effective way to fight poverty in Nigeria [1].
This approach matters because insecure land tenure often prevents homeowners from leveraging their assets for financial gain. Without legal titles, property owners struggle to obtain formal loans or attract the investment necessary to grow businesses and improve living standards [2].
Emeka Eleh, the principal partner at Ubosi Eleh + Co, said that ensuring proper documentation of properties is the surest way to fight poverty [1]. He said that the lack of clear titles creates barriers to economic mobility and increases the likelihood of costly legal disputes over land ownership [2].
According to the firm, secure titles provide the legal certainty required to unlock access to finance [2]. When property owners possess verified documentation, they can use their land as collateral for credit, a critical step in stimulating economic activity and reducing poverty at the household level [2].
Ubosi Eleh + Co said that these improvements in documentation are essential for broader economic growth. By reducing the risks associated with land ownership, Nigeria can better attract both domestic and foreign investment in real estate and infrastructure [1].
"Secure property titles unlock access to finance and stimulate economic activity, which are essential for poverty reduction," Eleh said [2].
“Ensuring proper documentation of properties is the surest way to fight poverty.”
The focus on property titling highlights a systemic shift toward using formal land administration as a tool for macroeconomic stability. By converting 'dead capital'—assets that cannot be used as collateral—into liquid capital, the Nigerian government and private sector can potentially increase the flow of credit to small businesses and homeowners, though this requires significant reform of the bureaucracy governing land registries.
