Negotiation Practices in Resolving Land Acquisition Disputes in Ogun State

This study examines the negotiation practices employed in resolving land acquisition disputes arising from government and private sector development projects in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation in Ogun State, driven by its proximity to Lagos and its designation as an industrial hub, have intensified land acquisition conflicts between communities, the state government, and private developers. Using a professional practice research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 legal practitioners, land surveyors, real estate professionals, and government land bureau officers involved in land acquisition dispute resolution across Sagamu, Abeokuta South, and Ifo local government areas. Case file analysis of land tribunal records from 2020 to 2024 supplemented primary data. The theoretical framework draws from negotiation theory, principled negotiation, and alternative dispute resolution frameworks. Findings indicate that current land acquisition negotiations in Ogun are largely positional rather than interest-based, with communities frequently entering negotiations uninformed of their legal rights under the Land Use Act, resulting in inadequate compensation agreements. Early community engagement before acquisition decisions are finalised was identified as the single most effective factor in reducing dispute escalation. Recommendations include mandating pre-acquisition community consultations in the Ogun State Land Bureau procedures, training government land officers in interest-based negotiation techniques, and establishing an independent land acquisition disputes arbitration panel in Ogun State. Keywords: negotiation, land acquisition, disputes, Ogun State, alternative dispute resolution.