Buying land in Nigeria is a significant milestone, but it can also be a minefield of “Omo-Onile” (land grabber) drama and fraudulent paperwork if you aren’t careful.
“I bought land, and it turns out the government owns it.” This is a nightmare no investor wants to face.
In Nigeria, land verification isn’t just a suggestion; it is the most critical part of the buying process. Whether you are buying from a real estate company or a family, follow these steps to ensure you aren’t throwing your money away.
Here are few step to get a reliable land in Nigeria:
▫️The Physical Inspection: More Than Just a Visit
Before you even talk about money, visit the site. Don’t just look at the soil; look for red flags.
🔹Check for “Caveat Emptor”: Look for signs or wall paintings that say “NOT FOR SALE” or “DISPUTE.”
🔹Talk to Neighbors: Locals often know if a piece of land has been sold five times already or if there is an ongoing family feud.
🔹Confirm Boundaries: Ensure the beacons (those concrete pillars) match what is on the paper.
▫️Verify the Survey Plan
The Survey Plan is the “map” of your land. You must take a copy of this to the Office of the Surveyor-General in the state where the land is located.
🔹Charting: This process confirms if the land is “Global Acquisition” (government-owned), “Committed” (earmarked for roads/bridges), or “Free” (available for private ownership).
▫️Conduct a Search at the Land Registry
Every state has a Land Registry (e.g., Alausa for Lagos State) where all registered land documents are kept. A legal search here will reveal:
🔹The true owner of the property.
🔹If the land is already mortgaged to a bank.
🔹If there are any legal encumbrances or court injunctions on it.
▫️Know the Must-Have Documents.
Do not pay a kobo until you have sighted (and verified) these documents:
Document
What it is
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) | The most powerful title; issued by the state government.
Deed of Assignment.
The “receipt” of ownership transfer from the seller to you.
Governor’s Consent Required if you are buying land that already has a C of O.
Excision/Gazette
Confirms the government has released the land to the community.
▫️Check the Probate Registry (For Inherited Land)
If the seller tells you, “This land belonged to my late father,” proceed with caution. You must verify at the Probate Registry that the seller has the legal authority (Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration) to sell that deceased person’s property. Without this, other family members can sue you later and win.