How to Verify Land Documents Before Buying in Nigeria

Buying land in Nigeria is a big deal. It’s an exciting milestone, but if you don’t do your due diligence, it can turn into a nightmare.

You’ve probably heard horror stories of people losing millions because they didn’t verify their land documents properly. You don’t want to be one of them.

So, how do you verify land documents before buying?

In this guide, I’ll break it down step by step, in a way that’s simple and easy to understand. Whether you’re buying your first plot or adding to your real estate portfolio, this is a must-read.

1. Start with the Basics: Know What You’re Buying

Before you even think about verifying documents, take a step back and ask yourself:

Who is selling the land? An individual, a family, a company, or the government?
What type of land is it? Is it government-allocated, private land, or family land?
What is the history of the land? Has it been sold multiple times?

Understanding these basics will help you determine the type of verification you need to do.

Read This: Understanding Land Titles in Nigeria: C of O vs. Deed of Assignment

2. Ask for the Right Documents

Once you’ve found land that interests you, don’t rush. The seller should provide the following documents:

Deed of Assignment – This is the agreement that transfers ownership from one person to another.
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – This proves that the government has officially granted the owner the right to use the land.
Governor’s Consent – If the land has been sold before, the new owner must get the governor’s approval to resell it.
Survey Plan – This shows the exact location and boundaries of the land.
Excision and Gazette (if applicable) – If the land was originally owned by the government, it must have been excised and documented in a government gazette before private individuals could buy it.

If the seller doesn’t have these documents or gives excuses, that’s a major red flag.

3. Verify the Land Title at the Land Registry

Now, let’s get into the real verification process. The first place you should visit is the Land Registry in the state where the land is located. Here’s what you should do:

Check if the land is registered. If the land has a Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, or Governor’s Consent, it should be in the records.
Confirm ownership details. Ensure the name on the document matches the seller’s name.
Check if there’s a pending dispute. Some lands have legal cases or disputes over ownership.
Verify if the land is under government acquisition. Some lands are meant for government projects, and buying them is a risky move.

In Lagos, for example, you can verify land titles at the Lagos State Land Bureau.

4. Verify the Survey Plan

A survey plan shows the exact location and dimensions of the land. But don’t just take the seller’s word for it—verify it yourself.

Here’s how:

Take the survey plan to the Office of the Surveyor-General in the state.
Check if the coordinates match an existing land record.
Ensure the land is not under government acquisition.

If the survey plan is fake or doesn’t exist in the government’s records, run.

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5. Conduct a Search at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

If you’re buying land from a company, you need to go a step further. Some fraudulent companies sell land they don’t own, leaving buyers stranded.

Go to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and:

Confirm that the company is registered.
Check if the land is registered under the company’s name.
Verify the directors and shareholders to ensure you’re dealing with authorized persons.

6. Visit the Land Physically and Speak to Neighbors

Never buy land without physically visiting it. When you go there:

Check the environment and confirm that the land exists (sounds funny, but people have bought land that doesn’t exist).
Talk to the neighbors and ask about the land’s history.
Find out if there are any ongoing disputes or multiple claims to the land.
If it’s family land, make sure all the family members agree to sell—don’t just deal with one person.

This step alone has saved many people from buying problematic land.

7. Get a Lawyer Involved

Land transactions are complex, and you shouldn’t do them alone. A real estate lawyer will:

Help you verify all documents.
Ensure the Deed of Assignment is properly drafted.
Confirm that the land can be legally sold.
Protect you from legal loopholes that could cause issues later.

Yes, a lawyer will cost you money, but losing millions to a fake land deal will cost you more.

8. Obtain a Governor’s Consent

If the land you’re buying already has a Certificate of Occupancy and you’re the second or third buyer, you must obtain Governor’s Consent to make your ownership legal.

Without it, the previous owner can still claim the land.

You can apply for this at the Land Bureau in the state where the land is located.

9. Register the Land in Your Name

Once everything checks out and you’ve paid for the land, don’t stop there. You must register the land in your name to have full legal ownership.

Take the Deed of Assignment to the Land Registry and register it. This makes you the official owner and prevents anyone from selling the land to someone else.

10. Avoid Common Land Scams

To wrap things up, here are some common land scams in Nigeria and how to avoid them:

Omonile scams – Some families sell the same land to multiple people. Always insist on seeing all family members involved in the sale.
Fake C of O – Some scammers create fake Certificates of Occupancy. Always verify at the Land Registry.
Selling land under government acquisition – Some lands are meant for government projects. Verify at the Surveyor-General’s office.
Inflated prices with fake urgency – If a seller pressures you to pay quickly because “someone else is interested,” take your time.
Ghost lands – Some people sell land that doesn’t exist. Always visit the land physically before paying.

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Conclusion

Buying land in Nigeria doesn’t have to be risky if you follow the right steps. Always verify land documents before making payments, and don’t cut corners.

Here’s a quick recap:

✅ Ask for the right documents.
✅ Verify at the Land Registry and Surveyor-General’s Office.
✅ Confirm company ownership if buying from a company.
✅ Visit the land and speak to neighbours.
✅ Get a real estate lawyer.
✅ Obtainthe Governor’s Consent and register the land in your name.

By following these steps, you can buy land in Nigeria with confidence and avoid scams. Happy land hunting.