MEDIA RELEASE: TLTB CLARIFICATION – NON-RENEWAL AND EVICTIONS CLAIMS
April 1, 2026
STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR LANDOWNERS AND FARMERS
April 9, 2026
It was a historic and emotional moment for Mataqali Nadala at Nadala Village, Tikina Savatu and the province of Ba when the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka officially handed over Cabinet approval to revert their land back to them last week, after more than a century of waiting.
Speaking on behalf of the vanua of Nubu (Turaga na Tui Nubu) Mr Luke Vauvau thanked the Government, the Ministry of Lands and the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) for the careful facilitation of this reversion.
The process of the reversion of the state land at Nadala known as Native Grant 2 or NG 2 has been long and complex. In 1905, the Colonial Government acquired 15,000 acres (NG 2) under Ordinance XI at a quit rental of £25.
Fast forward to 1999, the Reserves Commission (TLTB) sat to review the land, and by 2002, Cabinet approved its reversion to Mataqali Nadala.
A taskforce was formed, but the process stalled for over 20 years due to surveys and counterclaims from Mataqali Navitini.
In 2022, the survey was finally completed yet disputes delayed proclamation.
In 2024, the Minister of Lands visited Mataqali Nadala and confirmed the land will be reverted under Section 8 of the State Lands Act 1945.
Once gazetted, the land tenure will officially change from State Land to Native Land.
The Ministry of Lands will:
• Provide survey plans showing areas reverted to Mataqali Nadala.
• Identify areas to be leased to Fiji Hardwood Corporation.
• Exclude specific portions within NG 2 from reversion.
The iTaukei Lands & Fisheries Commission (TLFC) will then amend the register to reflect the reversion. Meanwhile, mahogany-covered areas will be processed by TLTB for leasing to Fiji Hardwood, in line with Cabinet’s decision.