Fiji’s State Land Lease Progress: A Look at Trends and Future Reforms

Lease payments for State land in Fiji have shown a consistent improvement over the past five years, according to Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo. Speaking in Parliament, he updated on the status of State lease payments and arrears owed to the Government as of June 2025.

The data revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources collected over $14.6 million in lease payments for 2020-2021, slightly decreased to $14.1 million in 2021-2022, then rebounding to $16.7 million in 2022-2023, followed by $16.4 million in 2023-2024. As of June 2025, they have gathered approximately $12.2 million.

Minister Vosarogo noted that while the upward trend is promising, there is still significant room for improvement. The ministry oversees a total of 21,226 State land leases, reflecting the scale of their operations.

In related discussions, previous reports indicate that some tenants are paying historically low rents for State land, with many leases not reassessed in decades. This situation has led the government to examine potential reforms to ensure fairer rental agreements that reflect current market conditions, with plans for a review of the State Lands Act already approved by the Cabinet. Such reforms aim to enhance the management of State land, potentially boosting revenue by aligning rent with the true value of the properties.

Furthermore, the Ministry is also working on modernizing its leasing system to better track arrears and facilitate timely payments, which will improve overall financial governance. The government believes that these proactive steps can promote more equitable land usage, support economic development, and enhance returns for all stakeholders involved.

Ultimately, the ongoing initiatives signify a commitment to long-term improvements in land management and financial practices, further fostering a climate of cooperation and sustainability in Fiji’s land resources. This collective effort reflects a positive trajectory, emphasizing the potential benefits for both the government and the country’s tenants.