Land is one of the most popular investments in Nigeria — and one of the most fraud-prone. Between a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), a deed of assignment and a mere village receipt, not every document carries the same weight. Here is a clear guide to buying land safely, whether in Lagos, Abuja or beyond.
Understand the key land documents
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): the strongest evidence of a government-granted right to occupy and use the land for a fixed term. It is what most serious buyers look for.
- Governor’s Consent: required to validate a transfer of land that already has a C of O. Buying without it can leave your title incomplete.
- Deed of Assignment: the document that transfers the seller’s interest to you. It should be properly executed and registered.
- Survey plan and excision/gazette: confirm the land is not under government acquisition and that boundaries are correct.
The steps to a safe purchase
1. Verify the title
Conduct a search at the relevant Lands Registry to confirm who truly owns the land, whether a C of O exists, and whether there is any encumbrance, litigation or government acquisition.
2. Use a lawyer
A property lawyer reviews the documents, drafts the deed of assignment and helps secure Governor’s Consent and registration. For any significant purchase, never rely on a handwritten agreement.
3. Budget the extra costs
Beyond the land price, plan for legal fees, survey, Governor’s Consent, stamp duty and registration. Build these into your budget from the start.
Red flags to watch
- “Omo onile” pressure: families or touts demanding repeated payments without clear title.
- Land under government acquisition sold as free — always check for excision or gazette.
- Double sales: the same plot sold to several buyers. A registry search is your protection.
- Prices that are too good to be true and sellers rushing you to pay before you verify.
Financing without interest-based credit
Many buyers prefer to avoid interest-based loans. Options include saving and paying cash, instalment plans agreed directly with the developer, family pooling, or Islamic financing (murabaha) backed by the real asset. The common thread: financing tied to a tangible asset, without riba.
FAQ — buying land in Nigeria
Is a C of O enough on its own?
A C of O is strong, but when buying land that already has one, you also need Governor’s Consent for the transfer to be fully valid.
Do I really need a lawyer?
Yes. A lawyer verifies the title, handles the deed and consent, and protects you from the most common frauds.
How do I avoid double sales?
Run a search at the Lands Registry before paying, and let a lawyer confirm ownership and the absence of disputes.
Buying land in Nigeria is a great move when you verify the title, use a lawyer and never pay before checking. Browse our land listings across Nigeria to start your search with confidence.
