What Documents Should You Ask for Before Buying Land in Nigeria? A Complete Guide
Before you pay millions for land in Nigeria, ask yourself one question: Can the seller prove they have the right to sell it?
Imagine buying land in Ibeju-Lekki, only to discover months later that the property is under government acquisition or someone else claims ownership.
Your money could be tied up in a costly legal dispute.
The good news? Proper verification can help you identify potential problems before you invest.
Whether you're buying land in Lagos, Elerangbe, Lekki or elsewhere in Nigeria, here are 8 essential documents to check before making payment.
1 Survey Plan
A survey plan identifies the land's location, boundaries, dimensions and coordinates.
Ask an independent, licensed surveyor to confirm that the land matches the plan and check for overlaps or acquisition concerns.
Remember: A survey plan does not prove ownership by itself.
2 Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
A C of O is an important title document associated with a right of occupancy.
Have a property lawyer verify its authenticity, the property it covers and any relevant restrictions. Do not assume that having a C of O automatically eliminates every ownership risk.
3 Deed of Assignment
This document records the transfer of an interest in land from one party to another.
Check the seller's previous ownership documents and confirm that the interest being offered can legally be transferred to you.
4 Excision and Gazette
If the seller claims the land has been excised or gazetted, verify the relevant official records.
Confirm that the specific plot falls within the area covered. A claim that excision is “in process” does not mean the land has already been released.
5 Allocation Letter
An allocation letter may show that land was allocated to a person by a government scheme, family, community or estate developer.
Verify who issued it, the terms of the allocation and whether the seller has the authority to transfer the interest. An allocation letter alone may not establish a valid title.
6 Purchase Receipts and Previous Agreements
Ask for available documents showing how the seller acquired the land.
Names, dates and property descriptions should be consistent across the documents. Remember that a receipt may prove payment without conclusively proving ownership.
7 Seller's Identification and Authority to Sell
Confirm the seller's identity and legal authority to sell.
Where applicable, check a Power of Attorney, probate documents, family authorisations or company approvals. Never assume that someone holding land documents automatically has the right to sell the property.
8 Official Title Search and Planning Documents
Before paying, engage a property lawyer to investigate the relevant official records for ownership claims, mortgages, litigation, government acquisition and other restrictions.
If you intend to build, also check the applicable planning approvals, approved layout, land-use restrictions and estate development requirements.
What Should You Do Before Paying for Land?
Follow these five simple steps:
Request the relevant land documents.
Engage an independent surveyor to verify the land.
Hire a property lawyer to investigate the title and seller's authority.
Confirm the property's legal status through the appropriate authorities.
Complete the transaction with the necessary legal documentation and registration.
Final Word: Verify Before You Invest
A beautiful estate, an attractive price and a confident seller do not guarantee a safe land purchase.
Before buying land in Elerangbe, Ibeju-Lekki, Lekki or anywhere in Nigeria, verify the documents and establish what you are actually purchasing.
Don't just buy land. Buy with evidence.
BuyLekkiNowNow — Helping prospective property buyers make more informed real estate decisions.
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