ACF Cries Foul: Southerners Own Northern Land, Northerners Shut Out in the South
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced concern over what it perceives as a lack of equitable land ownership rights between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
During a recent meeting of its Board of Trustees in Kaduna, ACF Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, highlighted what he called a troubling disparity: while southerners can freely purchase land in northern Nigeria, northerners often face restrictions or outright denials when attempting to do the same in the South.
Dalhatu stressed the need for urgent reforms in land ownership laws across the 19 northern states to preserve the interests of local populations and safeguard against external encroachment. He criticized what he sees as the South’s unwillingness to mirror the North’s openness, particularly pointing to the Southeast, where he claims northerners are virtually barred from owning property.
“For generations, the North has welcomed people from all corners of the country, offering them both hospitality and land. Unfortunately, that generosity has not been reciprocated,” Dalhatu stated.
He warned that without swift action, northerners risk becoming marginalized in their own land, and urged political leaders in the region to introduce policies that would better protect local ownership.
The ACF also expressed alarm over the increasing acquisition of land in the North by foreign interests, describing it as a threat to regional autonomy that requires immediate government intervention.
Dalhatu noted that this situation is fueling frustration among northerners, some of whom are beginning to question the benefits of remaining in the Nigerian federation.
In addition, the forum condemned the treatment of northerners traveling through southern regions, alleging instances of violence and discrimination. Dalhatu urged the federal government to tackle what he called growing marginalization and revisit national laws relating to land and unity.
