How to Buy Farmland in Nigeria Without Getting Scammed

Buying farmland in Nigeria can be a profitable investment, whether for agriculture, real estate development, or long-term asset acquisition.

However, the process is fraught with risks, including fraud, ownership disputes, and legal complications.

If you are not careful, you could lose your money, buy land with unresolved legal issues, or end up purchasing property that does not exist.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to safely acquire farmland in Nigeria while avoiding scams.

Understanding the Risks of Buying Farmland in Nigeria

Before diving into the process, it is important to understand the common scams and risks associated with farmland purchases in Nigeria. Some of the most prevalent scams include:

1. Fake landowners – Fraudsters posing as landowners sell land they do not own.
2. Double allocation – A single plot of land is sold to multiple buyers.
3. Omo Onile (Land Grabbers) Fraud – Local land grabbers demand illegal fees and levies from buyers.
4. Unverified land titles – Sellers present fake or incomplete land titles.
5. Government acquisition issues – Buying land that belongs to the government or is reserved for public projects.
6. Encroachment issues – Buying land that is already in dispute or occupied by squatters.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Identify the Purpose of Your Land Purchase

Before purchasing farmland, clearly define your goals:

• Agriculture: Farming activities such as crop cultivation, livestock rearing, or fish farming.
• Land Banking: Buying land to resell later at a higher value.
• Real Estate Development: Using the land for residential or commercial property development.

Knowing your purpose will guide you in selecting the right location, land size, and budget.

Step 2: Research the Location

The location of farmland in Nigeria is crucial for its usability and long-term value. Consider the following when researching farmland locations:

• Soil quality and fertility: Essential for agricultural use.
• Proximity to roads and markets: Important for logistics and ease of transportation.
• Security: Avoid areas prone to communal clashes or banditry.
• Government development plans: Ensure the land is not under government acquisition.
• Availability of water sources: Critical for farming activities.

Read This: How to Start Farming on a Budget in Nigeria

Step 3: Verify Ownership and Legal Status

Before making any payments, verify the ownership and legal status of the land by checking the following:

1. Ask for the Land Documents
   • Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
   • Deed of Assignment
   • Survey Plan
   • Excision and Gazette (if applicable)
   • Governor’s Consent (for government-approved lands)
2. Conduct a Land Search at the Land Registry
   • Visit the state’s land registry to confirm the land is not under government acquisition or involved in any disputes.
3. Engage a Trusted Lawyer
   • A real estate lawyer will help verify land documents and ensure all transactions comply with the law.

Step 4: Inspect the Land Physically

Never buy farmland in Nigeria without inspecting it in person. When inspecting the land:

• Verify the actual size and boundaries.
• Check for encroachments.
• Interact with neighbouring landowners to confirm the land’s history.
• Avoid making payments before visiting the land.

Step 5: Involve the Local Community

Many farmlands in Nigeria belong to families or communities. Before purchasing:

• Meet with the traditional rulers, chiefs, or Baale of the community.
• Ask for the land’s history and whether it has any pending disputes.
• Ensure all family members involved in the sale give their consent.

Step 6: Draft and Sign a Legal Agreement

Once you have confirmed the authenticity of the land, ensure that a legal sale agreement is drafted and signed. The agreement should include:

• Buyer and seller details.
• Description of the land (size, location, and boundaries).
• Price and payment terms.
• Warranties from the seller.
• Signatures of both parties and witnesses.

Step 7: Obtain the Necessary Documents and Register the Land

After the purchase, secure your ownership by obtaining and registering the following:

1. Deed of Assignment – This transfers ownership from the seller to you.
2. Survey Plan – This officially maps out your farmland.
3. Governor’s Consent – If required by the state, seek government approval for the transaction.
4. Land Registration – Register the land at the state land registry to solidify your ownership.

Step 8: Secure the Land

To prevent encroachment or illegal sales after your purchase:

• Fence the land.
• Place signposts indicating ownership.
• Engage local security if necessary.
• Regularly visit or lease it out for temporary use.

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Conclusion

Buying farmland in Nigeria can be a rewarding investment, but it requires diligence and legal precautions to avoid scams.

Always conduct thorough research, verify land documents, inspect the land, involve legal experts, and register your land after purchase.

By following these steps, you can confidently invest in farmland without the fear of being scammed.