Effectiveness of Digital Land Administration in Land Tenure Security in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Land tenure security is an important component of effective land administration and sustainable development. This study examined the relationships between deed-record efficiency, access to land administration services among rural and vulnerable groups, and land tenure security in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, involving 520 respondents selected purposively from Nasarawa Geographic Information Service (NAGIS) clients, land administration professionals and other stakeholders. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. The findings revealed a strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between deed-record efficiency and land tenure security (r = 0.721, p < 0.001). Similarly, access to land administration services among rural and vulnerable groups had a strong, positive and significant relationship with land tenure security (r = 0.681, p < 0.001). However, respondents identified concerns regarding possible record manipulation, registration support, government policy effectiveness and equitable access to land services. The study concludes that reliable deed-record management and inclusive access to land administration services are important priorities for strengthening land tenure security in Nasarawa State. It recommends improving the accuracy and security of deed records while simplifying registration procedures and addressing barriers faced by rural and vulnerable groups.