The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs has inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee as the government moves to strengthen land governance and address longstanding challenges surrounding land administration, access and ownership.

Speaking at the inauguration, Lands Minister Hamat Bah said the National Land Policy 2026–2035 was developed to address challenges in land governance, administration, access, planning and management.

He said the policy provides an overarching framework for strengthening the way land is governed and managed across The Gambia.

Minister Bah said the newly inaugurated committee will provide strategic direction, policy oversight and high-level coordination to ensure the policy moves from planning to implementation.

He urged members to take their responsibilities seriously, stressing that the success of the policy will be measured through improvements in land administration, greater transparency and security in accessing land, better planning and stronger institutions.

Speaking at the same ceremony, legal practitioner Salieu Taal described the National Land Policy as a landmark framework, saying it provides a 10-year blueprint for managing the country’s limited land resources.

Taal stressed that unresolved land issues can contribute to conflict, making effective land governance important for present and future generations.

He identified customary land ownership and the absence of a comprehensive registration system as major challenges, saying uncertainty over ownership can contribute to land disputes.

Taal called for reforms that would make it easier to establish ownership and provide clear and equal procedures for land registration.

Speaking from the private-sector perspective, Nyillan Faye Fraser said challenges in land administration, including delays, disputes and uncertainty, continue to affect investment and national development.

She said the new policy provides an opportunity to improve the system and create greater predictability for communities, investors and families seeking land.

By Adama Makasuba