Stories of buyers who paid millions for land that later turned out to be fake, under government acquisition or sold to several people are trending again in Nigeria. One recent report described a man who paid ₦5.5 million for two plots, only to find the estate gone six months later. The best protection is simple: verify land before buying. This guide explains the documents to ask for, the searches to run in Lagos and the red flags that should make you walk away.
Why you must verify land before buying
Land fraud in Nigeria usually happens in a few common ways:
- The seller does not own the land, or sells family land without the family’s consent.
- The same plot is sold to several buyers.
- The land sits under government acquisition or on a road or drainage setback.
- The documents are forged or belong to a different plot.
Once you pay, getting your money back is slow and expensive. That is why it pays to verify land before buying, even when the deal looks urgent.
Step 1: Hire a property lawyer first
Before you pay any deposit, engage a practising property lawyer who handles land transactions in the state where the land is. Your lawyer runs the searches, reads the documents and drafts the sale agreement. Their fee is small compared with the cost of losing your plot.
Step 2: Ask for the right documents
A genuine seller should be able to show some or all of these:
- Survey plan with a registered survey number and coordinates.
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or another registered title.
- Deed of assignment or conveyance showing how the seller acquired the land.
- Governor’s consent for earlier transfers, where needed.
- Receipts and family documents if the land is family or community land.
Collect copies, never originals, before payment. Your lawyer will confirm them at the right offices.
Step 3: Do a survey search to verify land before buying
In Lagos, take the survey plan number to the Office of the Surveyor-General. The charting tells you whether the land is free, under government acquisition, or affected by a road, canal or other setback. Other states have their own surveyor-general or lands offices that do the same job.
If the charting shows government acquisition, do not buy unless the land has been properly excised or released and your lawyer confirms it.
Step 4: Run a title search at the land registry
Your lawyer should check the title at the Lagos State Land Registry in Alausa, Ikeja (or the land registry in your state). The search shows:
- who the registered owner is;
- whether there is a mortgage or charge on the land;
- whether anyone has placed a caution against it.
One Lagos official has said the search and verification procedures are free. Fees can change, so confirm directly with the Lagos State Ministry of Lands before you pay anyone for a “search”.
Step 5: Check for court cases
A litigation search at the High Court shows whether the land or the seller is involved in a dispute. Many buyers skip this step and later discover that the plot has been in court for years.
Step 6: Visit the land and talk to neighbours
Go to the land in person, more than once and at different times. Ask neighbours, the community leaders and the estate office who they know as the owner. Check for flood signs, access roads and any “This land is not for sale” notices.
Red flags: when to walk away
- The seller refuses a search or pushes you to pay before it is done.
- The price is far below other plots in the same area.
- You are asked to pay into a personal account with no receipt or agreement.
- The documents carry different names or plot numbers.
- The “estate” exists only on flyers and social media.
If you have already been defrauded, report it to the police and to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with every receipt and message you have.
Scammers often use pressure such as “only two plots left”. A genuine seller will wait for your lawyer to verify land before buying.
After you buy: protect your land
- Sign a proper deed of assignment prepared by your lawyer.
- Apply for governor’s consent and register the transfer.
- Fence the land or put a clear sign on it as soon as you can.
- Keep copies of every receipt and document in a safe place.
If you plan to build, our guides on electrical wiring costs for a 2-bedroom flat and solar power for a 3-bedroom flat will help you budget. Renting while you save? Read about hidden costs of apartment hunting in Lagos.
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify land before buying in Lagos?
Hire a property lawyer, run a survey charting at the Surveyor-General’s office, do a title search at the Land Registry in Alausa and check for court cases.
Is a survey plan enough proof of ownership?
No. A survey plan describes the land’s location and size. It does not prove that the seller owns it.
What does government acquisition mean?
It means the government has acquired the land for public use. Buying such land is risky unless it has been officially released.
Can I buy land without a C of O?
Yes, but the risk is higher. Your lawyer must confirm the seller’s right to sell and the land’s status before you pay.
Verify land before buying: quick recap
To verify land before buying, hire a property lawyer, collect copies of the documents, do a survey search, run a title search at the land registry, check for court cases and visit the land yourself. Walk away from any seller who refuses a search. A few days of checks can save years of pain and millions of naira.
Oladepo Babatunde (Prince Babatee Tunde) is a Computer Scientist, researcher, and professional content writer with a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science from Kwara State Polytechnic, Nigeria.
With a background in technology and a passion for clear communication, Babatunde specializes in creating thoroughly researched, reader-focused content on productivity, personal development, home living, and technology. Every article he writes is backed by extensive research and fact-checking to ensure readers receive accurate, actionable information.
As a freelance writer, he has helped brands and publications deliver content that educates, engages, and empowers their audiences. His mission at Vibena is simple: make complex topics easy to understand and help Nigerians live smarter, more productive lives.
