Buying land in Nigeria can be one of the smartest financial decisions you ever makeâif you do it right. Unfortunately, many buyers fall victim to fraud because they fail to verify land documents thoroughly. Whether youâre purchasing land for personal use, investment, or development, proper verification protects you from losing money to scammers, families with disputes, or government-acquired lands.
Land verification ensures that the seller is the true owner of the land and that there are no legal issues surrounding the property. Without proper checks, you risk buying land that is under government acquisition, involved in family disputes, or outrightly fake.
The survey plan shows the exact location and size of the land. It also includes the beacon numbers, the surveyorâs stamp, and the landâs coordinates. You must verify that the survey is authentic and matches the physical land you are being shown.
This document transfers ownership from the seller to you. It should be prepared by a lawyer and signed by both parties. Before signing, confirm that the seller truly owns the land.
The C of O is issued by the State Government and is one of the strongest proofs of land ownership. Always confirm the document number and ownerâs name with the land registry.
If the land has been sold previously, the transfer must be approved by the Governor. A property without Governorâs Consent cannot legally be resold.
Every payment made should have a receipt signed by the rightful owner or authorized representative.
Visit the land yourself. Check boundaries, meet the neighbors, and ask questions. Many scams involve showing buyers land far from the actual surveyed location.
This verification confirms whether the land is free, under acquisition, or reserved for government projects.
Your lawyer should search the land registry records to confirm ownership, check for encumbrances, and ensure the land is not under litigation.
If it is an âomo-onileâ land (family-owned land), you must confirm that all key family members authorize the sale. This helps prevent future disputes.
A professional real estate lawyer is essential for title verification. They understand documents, loopholes, and land scams.
Land verification is not optionalâit is the most important part of the land buying process. Always involve a lawyer, confirm documents, and never rely solely on verbal claims. When done correctly, you secure your investment and enjoy peace of mind.