Enugu’s Real Estate: Impact of Land Use Regulation 2025 on Urban Development and Investment

In a bold move poised to reshape the real estate landscape, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has recently signed the Land Use Regulation 2025 and Executive Order No. 1, 2025 under the Land Use Act 1978. These landmark policies officially designate key areas across Enugu State as urban, sparking a new era of transparency and efficiency in land management that promises far-reaching impacts for investors, developers, and real estate enthusiasts.

Under the Executive Order, the entire Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been designated as urban. Additionally, the entire Udi, Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Nsukka LGAs are now recognized as urban centers. Beyond these full LGAs, targeted urban designations have been made in parts of other LGAs: in Aninri LGA, Ndeabor Urban Area (10 km radius) and Oduma Urban Area (20 km radius) have been classified as urban; similar designations extend to select areas in Awgu, Ezeagu, Igbo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Isi-Uzo, Oji-River, Udenu, and Uzo-Uwani LGAs.

Governor Mbah emphasized that these reforms bring much-needed clarity to land transactions by eliminating hidden charges and curtailing corrupt practices such as double allocations and land grabbing. The move is further bolstered by the recent launch of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), a digital platform designed to fast-track land title applications and streamline administrative processes. With ENGIS, residents and investors alike can now access clear timelines, fees, and procedural details, which fosters a transparent, efficient, and corruption-resistant environment.

For real estate investors and developers, these measures signal a new horizon of opportunities. The formal urban designation of these LGAs enhances infrastructural development prospects, attracts public and private investments, and provides a stable legal framework for land transactions. Areas previously classified as rural now have the potential to witness rapid urban growth, encouraging a surge in property development and boosting property values.

Overall, Enugu State’s proactive stance on land use regulation is setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development. By eliminating administrative ambiguities and ensuring predictable outcomes, the state is not only improving its ease of doing business but is also positioning itself as a prime destination for forward-thinking investors and developers eager to participate in its urban renaissance.