Buying land in Nigeria: the due-diligence checklist before you pay
Land fraud is avoidable. The searches, documents and consents to confirm before any money changes hands.
Most land disputes we see could have been prevented before the purchase price was paid. In Nigeria, the Land Use Act 1978 vests land in each state in the Governor, which means a buyer is really acquiring a right of occupancy — and that right must be checked, not assumed.
1. Identify exactly what you are buying
- Get the seller’s title documents: a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), a registered deed of assignment, a Governor’s consent, a gazette/excision for family or community land, or a court judgment.
- Obtain a survey plan and have its coordinates charted at the state’s Surveyor-General’s office to confirm the land is not under government acquisition, a road setback or a committed/restricted area.
2. Search the land registry
Conduct a search at the state lands registry to confirm the registered owner, and whether there are mortgages, caveats or other encumbrances. The name on the register should match the person selling to you.
3. Confirm who has authority to sell
- Individual owner: verify identity and, where relevant, spousal interests.
- Family or community land: the sale generally needs the head of family and principal members; get the family’s authority in writing.
- Company: check the company’s status and the board’s authority to sell.
4. Visit — and ask the neighbours
Inspect the land, check who is in possession, and ask about disputes. Unexplained occupants, fresh “this land is not for sale” signs or pending court cases are red flags.
5. Paper the transaction properly
- Use a written contract of sale and a deed of assignment prepared by your lawyer.
- Pay into traceable accounts — never large cash sums.
- After completion, apply for the Governor’s consent (required under section 22 of the Land Use Act for transfers of a statutory right of occupancy), pay stamp duties and register the deed. An unregistered, unconsented transfer leaves you exposed.
Checklist
- ☐ Title documents reviewed
- ☐ Survey plan charted
- ☐ Registry search clean
- ☐ Seller’s authority confirmed
- ☐ Site inspected; no adverse possession or litigation
- ☐ Governor’s consent, stamping and registration completed
Every situation is different — for advice on yours, speak with our team in confidence.