Land itself is an important part of natural resources. Alongside capital and labour, it forms the means of production. This is part of the basic economic knowledge we all know too well.
In Nigeria, all the lands in each state of the federation are vested in the hands of each government of the 36 states of the federal republic of Nigeria. The state governments determine land use for whatever purposes and rights to the land. They issue certificates of occupancy which is proof of ownership of a piece sometimes. The state governments can revoke rights of occupancy of anyone in public interests. They can at the same time override whatever purposes the land can be used for.
In the situation we are today in Nigeria, we need to manage our land, especially our farming land from generation to generation. If we have to, we must learn from other countries around the world.
Learning from Scotland
Taking a Lesson from Scotland, during a journey, I missed my train from Aberdeen to Edinburgh. To make up for the missed train, I needed to pay part of the fare. I reluctantly declined. Instead, I opted for my Senior Citizen Award which entitled me to free buses, coaches and tram rides in Scotland for life. It was an adventure for me because I have not traveled as far as that by road in Scotland. In the course of the journey, and while engrossed in the beauty of the landscape of the country, ideas about how we could replicate some of the system in Scotland came rushing in for me.
I thought of a possible solution to kidnapping, dairy farming or animal husbandry, land management and other burdens related to land use along motorways or highways in Oyo State.
What we can do in Oyo state
First, I noticed all the pieces of land along the motorway throughout my journey were occupied or used for animal husbandry, maintained and occupied.
The only possible interception were railways for trains, garages for new and second hand vehicles in low density areas along the motorway ways and some factories.
The truth is that these farm lands are burdened and located in the outskirts of the cities or commercial activities centre of the communities. They can not be used for low cost houses, GRA or other activities EXCEPT FARMING, FARM HOUSES AND STATUTORILY IT MUST BE MAINTAINED.
The farmlands in Europe are most often passed from generation to generation. They can be acquired too but not often. They also protect family heritage.
The advantages for replicating this in Oyo state are many. First, there will be no hiding place for kidnappers or others who use secret dens for crimes because there would be no bushy motorways or Highways setbacks. This is not to say that criminal activities do not take place in the parks or in some notorious areas despite surveillance cameras and neighborhood informants in most places in the UK, but they are reduced. It can work in Oyo state as well.
Hence, the whole activities on farmland located along the motorway can be monitored by police surveillance, aerially by drones, helicopter or police aircrafts and serve as sight viewing for tourists.
Ibadan circular road
All farmlands are registered in the land registry. There are no churches, mosques or mechanic workshops along the motorways. What was missing were elements of generating electricity by wind. This is unlike France, Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Belgium who are presently focusing on renewable energy.
Lagos-Ibadan express
This experience is also possible in Nigeria. We must place embargo on sale of farm lands along the motorway or highways in Nigeria. Where they don’t exist, we must create them. Our highway must not be used for any unproductive activity other than farming and related activities. With this, we can improve security, create job opportunities, save the environment and address food shortage.
Abdulwaheed Badmus writes from Scotland. He can be reached via Feerdaws007@yahoo.com
