Land Tenure, Federalism and Agricultural Investment in Nigeria: A Political Economy Analysis, 2015–2025

Land tenure and federal governance remain important institutional determinants of agricultural investment in Nigeria. Despite the strategic importance of agriculture to employment, food security and rural livelihoods, farmers and agricultural investors continue to encounter challenges associated with insecure land rights, fragmented holdings, administrative delays, competing land claims and inadequate institutional coordination. This article examines the relationship between land tenure, federalism and agricultural investment in Nigeria between 2015 and 2025, focusing on the political and institutional arrangements that shape access to land and incentives for long-term investment. The study adopts a qualitative research design based on documentary analysis of recent academic studies, government policies and institutional reports published between 2015 and 2026. Political economy theory provides the analytical framework for explaining how power relations, institutional discretion and unequal access to resources influence land administration and agricultural development. The reviewed evidence indicates that formal land titles can improve agricultural investment incentives and production outcomes, although titling alone cannot overcome constraints associated with credit, infrastructure, insecurity and weak administrative institutions. The article argues that Nigeria’s federal structure creates both opportunities for locally responsive land governance and challenges arising from inconsistent administrative practices and coordination difficulties. It recommends transparent land administration, accessible registration systems, stronger recognition of legitimate customary interests, improved intergovernmental coordination and safeguards against arbitrary land acquisition. These reforms are essential for creating a more inclusive and predictable environment for agricultural investment and sustainable rural development.