How to Avoid Land Scams in Nigeria: A Must-Read for Property Buyers

If you’re planning to buy land in Nigeria, there’s one thing you must know: land scams are everywhere.

Every year, thousands of people lose millions of naira to fraudulent land deals. Some buy land that legally belongs to someone else, while others purchase land that has been sold to multiple buyers.

Even worse, some buyers unknowingly invest in land that is under government acquisition, meaning they have no legal right to own or build on it.

The good news? You don’t have to be a victim.

At Prime Data Geo-Services Ltd., we’ve helped many buyers protect their investments by verifying land documents, conducting surveys, and exposing fraudulent deals before it’s too late.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to avoid land scams in Nigeria and ensure your property investment is safe.

1. Insist on Proper Land Documentation

Many land scammers rely on buyers who don’t ask for the right documents. Before you commit to any land purchase, insist on seeing these:

✅ Survey Plan – Confirms the land’s location, boundaries, and whether it is under government acquisition.
 ✅ Deed of Assignment – Proves the land has been legally transferred from the seller to the buyer.
 ✅ Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – The official government document proving land ownership.
 ✅ Governor’s Consent – A crucial document for land transactions in Nigeria.

Tip: If a seller hesitates to provide these documents, it’s a red flag. Walk away.

2. Verify the Land at the Surveyor General’s Office

Many buyers make the mistake of trusting the documents they see without verifying them. A Survey Plan can be fake, and a Certificate of Occupancy can be fraudulently duplicated.

✅ What to do: Take the Survey Plan or land coordinates to the Surveyor General’s Office to confirm:
 ✔️ If the land is free from government acquisition
 ✔️ If the survey matches the actual land location
 ✔️ If the land size and boundaries are accurate

If the survey does not check out, do not buy the land.

3. Be Careful When Dealing with Omoniles

“Omoniles” (land-owning families) have a history of selling the same land to multiple buyers. Some will even come back years later to resell the land you already bought.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

✅ Always involve a lawyer when dealing with Omoniles.
 ✅ Ensure all agreements are in writing and legally documented.
 ✅ Get the land registered in your name immediately after purchase.

If an Omonile refuses to provide legal proof of land ownership, it’s best to walk away.

4. Beware of Cheap Land Deals

If the price of land sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Many scam artists use ridiculously low prices to lure unsuspecting buyers. In reality, these lands are often:

❌ Under government acquisition (you can’t build on them)
 ❌ Involved in family disputes (multiple people claim ownership)
 ❌ Lacking proper documentation (making it impossible to resell in the future)

✅ Tip: Always compare land prices in the area. If one seller is offering a plot at a much lower price than others, dig deeper before buying.

5. Work with a Trusted Surveyor and Real Estate Consultant

Many land scams can be avoided by working with professionals who understand the real estate market.

At Prime Data Geo-Services Ltd., we specialize in:
 ✔️ Land verification – Checking if a land is genuine and free from disputes.
 ✔️ Surveying and mapping – Ensuring accurate land boundaries.
 ✔️ Title search and documentation – Confirming legal ownership before purchase.

With over 10 years of experience, we’ve helped countless buyers secure legitimate property investments and avoid costly mistakes.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself from Land Scams

Land fraud is a huge problem in Nigeria, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid being a victim.

Before buying any land, remember:
 ✅ Always request and verify land documents.
 ✅ Conduct a search at the Surveyor General’s Office.
 ✅ Be cautious of Omonile transactions.
 ✅ Avoid deals that seem too cheap to be real.
 ✅ Work with trusted real estate professionals.

At Prime Data Geo-Services Ltd., we are committed to helping you make safe, smart, and scam-free land purchases.

�� Need Help Verifying a Land Purchase? Send an email to info@primedatageoservices.com for expert assistance today!