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Land tenure governance remains a critical issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where weak institutions, inadequate legal frameworks, and limited transparency impede sustainable land use and equitable access. In Nigeria, the Land Use Act of 1978 centralized land ownership under state governors, but decades later, implementation challenges persist, particularly at the state level. This study examines the relationship between good governance and land tenure in Owerri, Imo State, focusing on institutional performance, tenure security and urban land management. Using a mixed methods design, the research combined spatial analysis of land use changes with household surveys (n = 420) and 24 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders (land registry officials, traditional rulers, urban planners). Spatial data (2010–2024) were processed using GIS to map land use transitions, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify determinants of perceived tenure security. Qualitative interviews were coded thematically to understand governance bottlenecks. Results indicate weak administrative capacity, overlapping statutory and customary claims and low transparency in land allocation processes as major drivers of tenure insecurity; these factors correlate significantly with decreased investment and increased land disputes. The study links findings to broader literature on land governance in Nigeria and recommends pragmatic policy reforms: digitalizing land records, integrating customary tenure into formal systems, strengthening institutional accountability and community participation in land decision making. The paper argues that improving governance indicators transparency, rule of law, responsiveness, and participation can substantially improve tenure security in Owerri and similar Nigerian cities. It further highlights gendered impacts of tenure insecurity and proposes phased policy implementation, capacity building, and donor collaboration to finance the reforms. Findings are relevant for policymakers, planners, and researchers seeking sustainable urban land governance in sub-Saharan African contexts, and practitioners.