The Impact of Land Tenure Systems on Foreign Investment: A Case Study of Nigeria, US, UK, and Canada

ABSTRACT : This research analyzes the impact of land tenure systems on foreign direct investment (FDI) through quantitative assessment of Nigeria and its comparison to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Investor confidence in addition to security directly depends on a well-defined and protected land tenure system because such policy affects both property rights and investment stability. The paper investigates how different customary, statutory, and leasehold systems influence investor confidence and access to land together with long-term return possibilities. In Nigeria, complex legal pluralism and customary landholding patterns often hinder transparency and secure land acquisition, deterring foreign investors. Institutionalized corruption at all decision-making levels and poor enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations are major setbacks to the smooth functioning of the systems. On the other hand, the US and Canada, along with the UK, have instituted detailed land registration systems that guarantee property safety, thus building strong investment frameworks. The findings show that tenured land systems free of corruption and bureaucratic delays lead to higher foreign direct investment levels.

KEYWORDS – Land Tenure System, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Property Rights, Legal Framework, Land Use Act (Nigeria), Investment Regulations, and Land Ownership