PhD defence: Governing Informal Settlements Contentious Politics, Land Rights and Tenure Security in Abuja, Nigeria

PhD candidate: NA (Nuhu Adeiza) Ismail MSc, Promotor: prof.dr. VR (Rene) van der Duim. External copromotor: dr. A. Aceska & dr. E. Adu-Ampong. My PhD research is on the governance of informal settlements in Abuja, Nigeria. The research provides deeper insights on how and why land ownership rights and tenure security in Abuja’s informal settlements are so controversial and remain unresolved for over 45 years since the creation of Abuja as the new capital city of Nigeria in 1976. Findings from this study show how the complexities around Abuja’s informal settlements are collectively produced by both state and non-state actors. The study also provides insights into why the challenges and contentions around informal settlements in many African cities, particularly around land rights and tenure security, have persisted for so long without any foreseeable resolutions. Theoretically, the study contributes to the understanding of governance, urban informality, and the state from a global south perspective. In terms of application, the insights on the complexities around Abuja land dynamics are handy for policy makers, planners, land investors, NGOs, and stakeholders that are interested in African cities.

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