Procedure for Applying to Purchase Government Land

Application
Where a prospective purchaser has identified Government-owned land that he/she wishes to purchase, then an application expressing interest in acquiring Government land should be forwarded to the Commissioner of Lands by way of a letter. The letter should state:

1. the name and location of the property
2. The size of the property and
3. the proposed use.

Business Plan
A Business Plan setting out proposals for the use of the property, financing, and other related details are required for properties where a commercial venture (agriculture or industry) will be undertaken.

Procedure Where Land is Available for Sale or Lease
If the land applied for is available for sale/lease the following procedure is followed:

1. The Commissioner of Lands requests a valuation from the Commissioner of Land Valuation and information in respect of the suitability of the land from agencies such as National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA), National Works Agency (NWA), etc. in order to ensure that the land will be developed in conformity with the permitted use:
2. The Commissioner of Lands will forward to the Minister his/her recommendations;
3. The National Land Divestment Committee, which is established by the Minister, is required to review the recommendations and to advise the Minister before he makes a final decision to divest the land;
4. The Minister decides the sale price and may stipulate certain terms and conditions, taking into account the reports from the Commissioner of Lands and the National Land Divestment Committee. The Minister is free to consult with whomever he wishes in order to arrive at the best decision. The Cabinet is also consulted depending on the value, size, and type of use proposed for the land.
5. The Ministry transmits the Minister’s decision to the Commissioner of Lands;
6. Once all the terms and conditions have been agreed to, a formal Sale Agreement is prepared for the signature of the parties.
7. Once all the terms and conditions have been agreed to, a formal Sale Agreement is prepared for the signature of the parties.