Report: Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure Projects Diminishing Agricultural Land

Dike Onwuamaeze

Nationwide satellite data has showed that farmland has been declining over the years as a result of conversion of lands for residential and commercial development and infrastructural developments.  

This is contained in the Northcourt’s “Nigeria Real Estate Market Review H1 2025,” which highlighted that structural deficiency in property distribution and zoning within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has remained impediments to land price growth.

According to the report, roughly 22 per cent of agricultural land disappeared between 2013 and 2024 in Lagos State as most of that land was developed into buildings and roads.

The report said: “From 2013 to 2024, the annual rate of farmland loss increased to -2.42 per cent, with more pronounced decreases in light forest (-6.78 per cent) open space (-3.45 per cent), shrub (-6.36 per cent), and water bodies (-1.56 per cent).

“Accelerated loss of agriculture and natural landscapes are exerting upward pressure on land prices. The decrease in farmland and open spaces since 2013 is largely attributed to urban expansion. Urban farming in Lagos is seeing a consistent decline due to escalating conversion of land for residential and infrastructural development.”

The report said that in 2005, open vegetation formed the predominant land use in Kaduna State, encompassing 61.65 per cent of the region adding that, “rapid urban growth drove a rise in developed land, rising from 18.57 per cent in 2005 to 50.88 per cent by 2025. Vegetation diminished consistently to 38.14 per cent (12.78km2).”

In addition, studies by Federal University Ekiti, Federal University of Technology Akure and Obafemi Awolowo University, according to the report, concluded that farmland in Lagos decreased from 1984 to 2024 whereas developed regions increased by 22,538.34ha.

The Chief Executive Officer of Northcourt, Mr. Ayo Ibaru, said that there is a drive towards energy security by communities in rural and urban areas as they adopt Solar Home Systems (SHS) as a source of energy, which is supported by a $2 billion potential annual market opportunity, fuelled by international private investment.

He said: “According to the African Clean Energy Technical Assistance Facility, the market for solar systems attracted $237 million in the past five years. Development partners lead the charge with commercial banks, private investors and the quite engine of debt following close behind. The sun, it seems, has become Nigeria’s most faithful ally.”

The post Report: Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure Projects Diminishing Agricultural Land appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

  • Related Posts

    MDGIF: Powering Nigeria’s Renewed Gas Infrastructure Drive

    For decades, Nigeria’s energy sector has been described as a paradox, with abundant resources but constrained by the needed infrastructure to spur growth. Therefore, the country has struggled to translate…

    Chevron Shines at Gbaramatu Voice International Anniversary awards

    Sylvester Idowu in Warri  Chevron Nigeria Limited hasreceived Community Partnership Award from Gbaramatu Voice International media at the Niger Delta Night of Honour event to mark the organization’s 10th Anniversary…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    MDGIF: Powering Nigeria’s Renewed Gas Infrastructure Drive

    Chevron Shines at Gbaramatu Voice International Anniversary awards

    NIHOTOUR DG Commends NANTA for Effective Self-regulation

    Sub-regional Insurers to Deliberate on Climate Change at WAICA

    Customs Commission Advanced Cargo Screening X-ray Machine at SAHCOL

    Aradel Renews Contractual Commitment to Supply Gas to NLNG 

    Report: Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure Projects Diminishing Agricultural Land

    ARADEL trades N5.3 billion as All-Share Index closes in red on September 1 

    Nigeria’s private sector growth hits 19-month high as demand surges and inflation eases 

    SEC Nigeria launches new website to boost transparency and investor safety 

    Africa imports close to $50 billion worth of food annually- official

    Africa imports close to $50 billion worth of food annually- official

    Payment App, Vban launches to help Africa’s global workforce get paid easier, faster, and without borders

    Titan Trust Bank ceases operations in Nigeria as Union Bank finalizes takeover 

    DMO opens September 2025 FGN savings bonds, rates peak at 16.541% 

    Heirs’ Technologies industry report call for bold investments to unlock Africa’s $700 billion digital economy by 2030 

    Academy Press soars 218% YtD in 2025: What investors should know 

    Verraki Academy: Forging Nigeria’s next generation of enterprise-ready technologists

    Chinese investors eye $720million agriculture, renewable energy projects in Katsina State 

    SO&U, Udeme Ufot Honoured for Advertising Legacy at Brand Handlers Awards

    Petralon: Community Partnership as Recipe for Business Success

    JustMarkets wins the “Best Global Broker 2025” Award at MEI 2025 

    Naira stable in black market as U.S. Dollar weakens globally 

    How to build your wealth with Mshel Homes  

    Nigeria’s gas future: CNG retail may hit N520/SCM to ensure commercial viability 

    How Nigeria can strengthen business competitiveness and attract private investment

    CAP, Fidson, UBA top stock pick this week

    CAP, Fidson, UBA top stock pick this week

    7 things you must know about REDMI 15C 

    Top 10 best-performing Nigerian stocks in August 2025 

    Aradel Holdings Plc celebrates 20 years of continuous production 

    Union Bank of Nigeria completes merger with Titan Trust Bank

    Amidst Demand, Consumer Goods Index Emerges Best Performing Indicator on NGX

    Sanwo-Olu: Technology Adoption, PPP Will Enhance Govt Service Delivery

    Polution: NIMASA Charges Ships Operating in Nigeria on MARPOL Compliance

    Customs Commission Advanced Cargo Screening X-ray Machine at SAHCOL

    NDLEA Decorates Seven Deputy Commanders in Benin City

    Predicting Long-term Naira Stability, CBN Reforms Offer Relief in Living Costs