Buying land in Nigeria can build long-term wealth, but the most important work happens before money changes hands. Attractive pricing, estate signage and a persuasive agent are not substitutes for due diligence.
This guide is educational, not legal advice. For a live transaction, use an independent Nigerian property lawyer and qualified professionals who represent your interests.
1. Identify exactly what you are buying
Ask for the precise location, plot size, survey details, seller’s full legal name and every document claimed as evidence of title. Avoid relying on phrases such as “government approved” unless the seller identifies the specific approval or title.
2. Understand the land-title framework
Nigeria’s Land Use Act establishes the right-of-occupancy framework and contains important rules governing land interests and transfers. A Certificate of Occupancy can matter, but no single document should end your investigation.
3. Verify the seller and chain of title
Confirm the seller is the person or entity entitled to transfer the interest. Where family land, an estate, a company or an attorney is involved, additional authority may be needed. Your lawyer should trace how the present seller acquired the interest.
4. Conduct an official search
Do not rely only on photocopies supplied by the seller. Search the appropriate state land registry or authority independently. Lagos State, for example, provides electronic land-management access through its Multidesk Applicant Portal.
5. Confirm the survey and physical land
Have a registered surveyor confirm that the survey plan corresponds to the parcel being shown. Inspect access, boundaries, adjoining properties and occupation. Remote buyers should commission independent verification rather than rely only on a seller’s video.
6. Investigate restrictions and disputes
Ask your professionals to investigate applicable acquisition, planning, road-alignment, setback, encumbrance and dispute risks. The right checks depend on the location and intended use.
7. Put the transaction in writing
High-value property deals should not depend on receipts and chat messages. Have appropriate contracts and transfer documents prepared or reviewed before payment.
8. Budget beyond the advertised price
Your acquisition budget may include legal work, searches, surveying, documentation, perfection of title and statutory charges. Get a transaction-specific estimate before committing your entire budget to the purchase price.
9. Complete post-purchase steps
Signing documents may not finish the process. Depending on the transaction, consent, stamping, registration or other perfection steps may apply. Ask your lawyer to map them before completion.
Red flags
- The seller refuses an independent registry search.
- You are pressured to pay immediately.
- The payment recipient does not match the documented seller.
- The survey cannot be independently confirmed.
- The chain of title is unclear.
- Professional review is discouraged.
- A dramatic discount has no credible explanation.
Bottom line
Verify the land, title, seller and transaction independently. Due diligence costs money, but usually far less than a disputed or defective purchase.
