How to Verify Land Ownership in Lagos Before Buying: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying land in Lagos can be exciting, but if you’re not careful, it can turn into a nightmare. Stories of people purchasing land only to find out later that it was already sold to multiple buyers, under government acquisition, or involved in a legal dispute are far too common.

The good news? You can avoid falling victim to land scams by taking the right steps to verify land ownership before making any payments. In this guide, we’ll break down the exact steps you need to take to ensure your investment is secure.

Why Land Verification in Lagos is Non-Negotiable

Lagos is one of the most lucrative places to invest in real estate, but it also has some of the highest cases of land fraud in Nigeria. Unscrupulous sellers, fake documents, and unclear ownership records make verification a critical step before committing your hard-earned money.

Without proper land verification, you risk:
 ✅ Buying land involved in ownership disputes.
 ✅ Purchasing government-acquired land.
 ✅ Losing money to fraudulent sellers.

Now, let’s walk through the steps to ensure you’re buying genuine property.

Step 1: Conduct a Land Search at the Lagos Land Registry

The Lagos State Land Bureau is responsible for keeping records of land ownership. Before buying any land, visit the Lagos Land Registry to check if the seller is the rightful owner and if there are any encumbrances (such as pending court cases, mortgages, or government acquisition).

How to Conduct a Land Search:

1. Get a copy of the Survey Plan from the seller.
2. Hire a registered land surveyor to chart the land and confirm its coordinates.
3. Submit the survey to the Surveyor General’s Office to check if it falls under government-acquired areas.
4. Apply for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the land title from the Land Registry.

If the land has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, or a Deed of Assignment registered in the seller’s name, it’s a good sign that the land is legitimate. If not, proceed with caution.

Step 2: Verify with the Local Community & Family Members

Many lands in Lagos are owned by families (Omo Onile). Even if a seller presents valid documents, it’s important to confirm from the community that the land has not been sold to someone else.

How to Verify from the Community:

• Ask neighbors about the history of the land.
• Speak with family elders if it's family-owned property.
• Confirm that all necessary parties have agreed to the sale.

This step is especially crucial when buying land in developing areas where local ownership structures still play a role.

Step 3: Check If the Land Is Under Government Acquisition

Many lands in Lagos are under government acquisition, meaning they are reserved for public projects like roads, bridges, or housing schemes. Buying such land without proper documentation can lead to demolition in the future.

How to Check for Government Acquisition:

• Visit the Office of the Surveyor General to confirm if the land is in a government-acquired zone.
• Request a Land Information Certificate from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning.
• If the land is under acquisition but has Excision or Gazette, ensure you verify its authenticity.

Excision means the government has released the land to the community, while a Gazette is an official document showing the excised land.

Step 4: Ensure the Seller Has a Proper Title & Documentation

A genuine land seller should have at least one of the following documents:

✅ Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – Proof of ownership issued by the government.
 ✅ Governor’s Consent – Required for transferring ownership of lands with a C of O.
 ✅ Registered Deed of Assignment – A legal document showing the transfer of ownership from the seller to you.
 ✅ Survey Plan – Indicates the land’s location and size, signed by a licensed surveyor.

If the seller doesn’t have these documents or asks you to "process" them after purchase, think twice before proceeding.

Step 5: Hire a Professional to Handle the Due Diligence

To avoid mistakes, it’s best to work with real estate professionals who understand the process. This includes:

✔️ A Land Surveyor – To verify the land’s location and government status.
 ✔️ A Real Estate Lawyer – To review documents and handle legal paperwork.
 ✔️ A Property Consultant – To provide expert advice and risk assessment.

At Prime Data Geo-Services Ltd., we specialize in land verification, surveying, and real estate risk mitigation to help investors like you make secure land purchases in Lagos.

Coclusion: Secure Your Land Investment the Right Way

Land scams in Lagos are real, but with the right verification process, you can buy land without fear of fraud or legal issues. Always conduct a land search, verify community ownership, check for government acquisition, and confirm the seller’s title before making any payments.

For expert land verification services, reach out to Prime Data Geo-Services Ltd. Our team of professionals ensures your real estate investment is 100% secure.

�� Need Help Verifying a Property? Send us an email at info@primedatageoservices.com for expert guidance and consultation.