How to Avoid Buying Government-Acquired Land in Lagos: A Must-Read for Property Investors

Buying land in Lagos can be one of the best investments you make—if you do it right. But here’s the harsh reality: many unsuspecting buyers have lost their land to government takeovers because they unknowingly purchased land under government acquisition.

Imagine paying millions for a piece of land, only to find out later that it belongs to the government. Even worse, imagine waking up one morning to see bulldozers demolishing buildings in your supposed “dream investment.”

The good news? You can avoid this costly mistake by understanding how government-acquired lands work and learning the right steps to verify any land before purchase.

What Is Government-Acquired Land?

In simple terms, government-acquired land refers to land that the government has marked for public use. This could be for future projects like:

✅ Housing estates
 ✅ Schools and hospitals
 ✅ Roads and bridges
 ✅ Rail lines and airports

Some of these lands are committed, meaning they can never be sold or owned by individuals. Others are global acquisition lands, which may eventually be released for private ownership through a process called excision.

If you buy land that is under committed acquisition, you risk losing your money because the government can reclaim it at any time without compensation.

How to Check If a Land Is Under Government Acquisition

To avoid falling into this trap, here’s a step-by-step process to verify if the land you’re about to buy is free from government acquisition.

1. Conduct a Land Search at the Surveyor General’s Office

The Office of the Surveyor General of Lagos State has records of all lands under government acquisition.

Steps to Follow:

• Obtain the Survey Plan of the land from the seller.
• Take it to the Surveyor General’s Office for a land status verification.
• Request a Land Information Certificate, which will confirm whether the land is under acquisition.

If the land is marked as committed acquisition, stay away—you cannot own it legally.

2. Verify the Land’s Excision or Gazette Status

Not all government-acquired lands are permanently lost to private ownership. In some cases, the government excises land back to the original community, allowing individuals to buy and own it legally.

Key Terms to Know:

• Excision: This means the government has released a portion of land to the original landowners (usually a community).
• Gazette: This is an official government document that lists excised lands and confirms that they are now available for private ownership.
• Governor’s Consent: A legal approval that validates the transfer of ownership from one person to another.

If a land has a Gazette, C of O (Certificate of Occupancy), or Governor’s Consent, it is legally safe to buy. But if the seller only claims that “excision is in process,” be cautious—many fraudulent sellers use this line to deceive buyers.

3. Consult a Professional Before Making Any Payment

Government acquisition is a technical issue, and unless you’re a real estate expert, you might not fully understand the legal status of a land.

Before making payments:
 ✔️ Hire a land surveyor to confirm the land’s coordinates and government status.
 ✔️ Work with a real estate lawyer to verify all land documents.
 ✔️ Engage a property consultant to assess risks and provide professional guidance.

At Prime Data Geo-Services Ltd., we specialize in land verification, surveying, and real estate risk assessment to help investors avoid costly mistakes.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying Land in Lagos

�� The seller claims the land has “Excision in Process.”
 �� The price is unusually cheap compared to other lands in the area.
 �� The seller avoids showing you original documents.
 �� There’s no Survey Plan, or the survey is not registered.
 �� The seller tells you not to bother verifying the land.

If you notice any of these signs, take a step back and do your due diligence. Real estate investment should be a smart decision, not a risky gamble.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Investment, Verify Before You Buy

Land fraud and government acquisition issues have cost many investors millions of naira, but you don’t have to be a victim. By conducting a land search, verifying excision status, and consulting real estate professionals, you can confidently invest in genuine property in Lagos.

At Prime Data Geo-Services Ltd., we make land verification easy and stress-free.

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