How to Verify Land Titles in Nigeria Before Buying

Introduction: Why Land Verification Matters

Real estate is one of the most lucrative investment opportunities in Nigeria, especially in booming locations like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and emerging hubs like Epe and Ibeju-Lekki. Unfortunately, the industry has also attracted fraudsters who sell lands without genuine titles or, worse, sell the same land to multiple buyers.

This is why land title verification is a non-negotiable step before you make any payment. Without proper verification, you risk losing your money, your land, or both.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What a land title is

• The common types of land documents in Nigeria

• Where and how to verify them

• Red flags to watch out for

• And how working with a trusted realtor like Abulesowo Realtors protects you.

 What is a Land Title?

A land title is a legal document that proves ownership or rights over a piece of land. It shows who legally owns the land and the type of interest (right) the owner has. In Nigeria, land is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978, which vests ownership of all land in each state in the Governor.

So, without the right title, your ownership claim can be challenged at any time.

 Common Land Documents in Nigeria

Before buying land, you’ll encounter several documents. Understanding them helps you know what’s genuine and what isn’t.

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

   • Issued by the state government.

   • Confirms that the holder has the right to use the land for 99 years.

   • One of the strongest proofs of ownership.

2. Governor’s Consent

   • Required when land with a C of O is resold to another buyer.

   • Without it, the transaction is not fully legal.

3. Deed of Assignment

   • A legal document transferring land ownership from seller to buyer.

   • Must be registered at the land registry.

4. Survey Plan

   • Shows the exact location and size of the land.

   • Must be registered and should NOT fall under government acquisition zones.

5. Excision / Gazette

   • When government releases land for community or individual use, it is excised.

   • The official record is published in a Gazette.

6. Receipt of Payment

   • Proof of financial transaction but not proof of ownership.

   • Must always be backed by other legal documents.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Verify Land Titles in Nigeria

Here’s how to protect yourself before committing to a land purchase:

Step 1: Verify at the Land Registry

• Visit the state’s Land Registry Office (e.g., Alausa in Lagos).

• Provide the survey plan number or land details.

• Confirm if the land is free from government acquisition or if it’s under acquisition.

Step 2: Confirm the C of O / Governor’s Consent

• Ask for the C of O or Governor’s Consent copy.

• Take it to the land registry for verification.

• Ensure it matches the seller’s details.

Step 3: Cross-check Survey Plans

• Hire a licensed surveyor to confirm the beacon numbers on-site.

• Ensure the coordinates match what’s in the land registry records.

Step 4: Validate the Deed of Assignment

• Ensure the seller has the legal right to sell.

• Check if the deed has been registered at the land registry.

Step 5: Verify Community / Family Land (if applicable)

• If buying from a family or community, verify with the Baale, chiefs, or family head.

• Confirm that all necessary family members sign the document.

Step 6: Work with Professionals

• Use a real estate lawyer to confirm authenticity.

• Work with trusted realtors like Abulesowo Realtors who only sell verified properties.

 Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Seller rushes you to pay quickly.

• Documents don’t match land details.

• Land is suspiciously cheap compared to market rates.

• No registered survey plan.

• Multiple sellers claiming ownership.

• Seller refuses to take you to the land registry.

If you notice any of these, step back immediately.

 Why Work With Abulesowo Realtors?

At Abulesowo Realtors, we have built a reputation on trust, transparency, and professionalism.

Here’s how we protect our clients:

• We only sell genuine and verified lands.

• Every property is cross-checked at the land registry before listing.

• We provide professional property inspection services.

• Our legal team helps ensure smooth transactions.

• Over 10,000 clients served and 4,000+ realtors trained – our track record speaks.

When you work with us, you’re not just buying land; you’re investing in peace of mind.

Expert Tips for Safe Land Purchase

1. Never pay in cash – use bank transfers for traceability.

2. Always insist on receipts and acknowledgment letters.

3. Visit the land personally before paying.

4. Don’t rely solely on photocopies – ask for originals.

5. Engage a lawyer to witness the transaction.

6. If in doubt, don’t pay until everything is clear.

Case Study: How We Saved a Client from Fraud

Recently, a client approached us about a land in Ibeju-Lekki that looked like a great deal. Before she paid, we helped verify the documents. It turned out the land was already under government acquisition for road expansion.

Without proper verification, she would have lost over ₦12 million. Thanks to our process, she redirected her funds into a verified estate land with full excision. Today, her property has appreciated by over 60% in value.

Conclusion: Secure Your Investment with Verification

Land is one of the best assets you can own in Nigeria, but without proper verification, it can quickly become your biggest regret. Due diligence is cheaper than losing millions.

At Abulesowo Realtors, our mission is simple:
👉 To provide genuine, verified, and affordable properties that guarantee future value.

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📞 Ready to buy land the safe way?
Don’t take risks with your hard-earned money. Let Abulesowo Realtors guide you.

 Book a free property inspection today or chat with us now on WhatsApp: +234 803 406 4332.