Buying Land or a House in Nigeria: The Documents to Verify First

Buying property is likely the biggest purchase you will ever make, and land disputes are one of the most common causes of lost savings in Nigeria. A beautiful house with a weak title is a bad purchase. The solution is simple: verify first, pay later.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Always use a qualified property lawyer and a licensed surveyor for any purchase.

The documents you will hear about

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

The document issued by the state government granting a right of occupancy over land. Ask to see the original, and have your lawyer confirm it at the relevant land registry.

Deed of Assignment

The document that transfers the seller's interest in the property to you. It should clearly name the seller, the buyer, the property and the consideration (price).

Governor's Consent

In many states, transferring a title that is held under a right of occupancy needs the governor's consent. Ask whether it has been obtained or how it will be handled as part of the purchase.

Survey plan

A plan prepared by a licensed surveyor showing the exact boundaries and size of the land. Compare it with the land itself, and check it against the government's records.

Receipts and past transaction documents

Previous deeds, receipts for land use charge and ground rent, and any building approvals show how the property has been handled.

Building plan approval

If a building is already on the land, ask for the approved plan and any permits.

Checks to do before you pay

1. Do an official search at the land registry through your lawyer to confirm who owns the land and whether there are encumbrances such as mortgages or disputes.
2. Verify the seller's identity and their right to sell. Meet the actual owner or an authorised representative with a proper power of attorney.
3. Visit the land yourself, more than once, and speak to neighbours. Look for signs of other claimants.
4. Check government acquisition status. Some land is under government acquisition or in a planned development area. Your lawyer can confirm this.
5. Have the surveyor confirm the boundaries on the ground.

Protect your payment

• Never pay the full price before the checks are done.
• Pay into an account that matches the seller's name, and get a receipt for every payment.
• Make sure the sale agreement states the price, payment schedule, and what happens if the title turns out to be defective.

Red flags

• A price far below the area's value
• Pressure to pay quickly because "other buyers are waiting"
• A seller who avoids the land registry or will not show original documents
• Several people claiming to own the same land

Next steps

Browse properties for sale on 9jaFinder, shortlist a few, and speak to the agent or owner about the documents before you visit. A good seller is happy to answer these questions.