An Assessment of Valuation Methods Used in Determining Compensation and Its Impact in Niger State Nigeria

This study assessed the valuation methods used in determining compensation and the impact of payment in Niger State, Nigeria, with a focus on evaluating policy frameworks, compensation mechanismson for payments. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collected from respondents—including displaced landowners, government officials, legal practitioners, urban planners, and valuation experts—with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. A structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale was used to assess perceptions across four thematic areas: Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, complemented by thematic analysis of interview responses. The findings reveal that while compulsory acquisition is recognized as necessary for public development, significant gaps exist in consultation, transparency, and timeliness of compensation. Many respondents perceived compensation of payment as inadequate and not reflective of current market values, with valuation methods lacking transparency. The study concludes that strengthening legal protections for landowners, improving valuation transparency, and enhancing institutional capacity are critical to ensuring fair and equitable outcomes in compulsory acquisition and its payments. Recommendations include revising the Land Use Act to address contemporary challenges, improving public awareness, and integrating both financial and non-financial compensation measures.