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Imagine this: You’ve just paid millions for a plot of land in a fast-growing area. You’re excited, already planning your dream home or future estate. Then—boom—you find out the land is government property. Or worse, the seller didn’t even own it.
This is not fiction. It’s a true story that plays out every single day in Nigeria.
Land scams are rampant. From fake land agents to double-sold plots, thousands of people have lost fortunes. But there’s good news: knowing the right land documents to request and verify can protect you from becoming a victim.
In this blog, we’ll break down the 7 key legal documents you MUST know before buying land in Nigeria, plus how to verify them, where to get them, and why each one matters.
Let’s make sure your land investment is secure, profitable, and scam-proof. Ready?
💥 Real-Life Land Scam: How Mr. Chidi Lost ₦15 Million to Fake Agents
Let’s start with a real story.
Mr. Chidi, a Lagos-based businessman, paid ₦15 million for a plot in Ibeju-Lekki. The deal seemed legit—receipts, agents, even a “family representative.” He visited the site. They showed him “documents.” A month later, he started fencing, and boom—task force arrived.
Turns out, the land belonged to the state government. No C of O, no Gazette, no excision. Everything he saw was fake.
Moral of the story? Fancy-looking papers mean nothing if they aren’t the right ones—and verified.
📜 The 7 Legal Documents You MUST Know Before Buying Land in Nigeria
Here are the must-have land documents to verify before making any payment:
1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- What it is: A legal document issued by the government confirming the holder’s right to occupy and use the land.
- Why it matters: It proves the land is not under government acquisition.
- Where to verify: Ministry of Lands & Survey or relevant state agency.
2. Deed of Assignment
- What it is: A document showing legal transfer of land ownership from one party to another.
- Tip: Always ensure it is registered.
3. Survey Plan
- What it is: A detailed map showing the exact size and boundaries of the land.
- Why it’s important: Confirms that the land you’re being sold matches the physical land.
4. Excision and Gazette
- Excision: When the government releases a portion of land to indigenous families or communities.
- Gazette: The official record that proves this excision has been approved.
- Without these, the land is likely still under government acquisition.
5. Deed of Contract/Agreement
- Used during initial stages of land purchase. It states terms and conditions agreed upon by both parties.
6. Governor’s Consent
- What it is: Approval required before a deed of assignment becomes legally binding.
- Without it, the transfer is not fully recognized under the law.
7. Receipt of Payment
- Often ignored, but important. It’s your proof that payment was made.
👉 Pro Tip: Always work with a real estate lawyer to help you verify all these documents.
🤔 Why Are These Documents So Important?
Because land ownership in Nigeria is legally controlled by the government under the Land Use Act of 1978. That means no matter what someone tells you, only the right documents give you true ownership and protection under the law.
Plus, without these documents, you can’t:
- Fence your land legally
- Build on the land without risk of demolition
- Resell the land with confidence
- Get financing from banks or investors
🧭 How & Where to Verify Land Documents in Nigeria
So how do you verify these land documents before paying?
✅ Visit the Land Registry
Each state in Nigeria has its own Ministry of Lands and Housing or Lands Registry. That’s where you:
- Confirm if the land has a valid C of O
- Check for Governor’s Consent
- Verify if the land is under acquisition
- Confirm survey details
✅ Use a Verified Real Estate Company
Like Kadima Realty, who only lists land that is already verified, documented, and ready for investment.
We work with surveyors, lawyers, and insiders to ensure you don’t fall into a trap.
✅ Hire a Property Lawyer
Avoid “one-man” agents. A property lawyer can help verify documents, file searches, and even register your land for you.
🔥 FAQ: What Happens If the Land Has No C of O?
If a land doesn’t have a C of O, it’s not the end of the world—but it’s risky.
Ask these questions:
- Is the land excised and gazetted?
- Is it family land with a registered Deed of Assignment?
- Can the seller provide the Governor’s Consent?
If none of these apply, run.
❓ Question for You
Have you ever been approached with an “urgent land deal” that sounded too good to be true? What did you do?
Drop your experience in the comments—we’d love to learn from each other!
🚫 Common Land Scam Tactics (So You Know What to Watch Out For)
Here are some red flags to never ignore:
- “Buy now or lose the deal” pressure tactics
- Agents that say: ‘We’ll give you documents later’
- Unregistered Deed of Assignment
- Refusal to take you to the Lands Registry
- No Survey Plan or suspiciously photocopied one
If any of these happen, pause. Call a real estate lawyer or a trusted real estate company like Kadima Realty.
📈 Want to Invest in Land Without Stress or Fear?
At Kadima Realty, we help everyday Nigerians and investors buy safe, secure, and profitable land in high-growth areas like Asokoro, Abuja—with verified titles and full documentation.
✅ No government encumbrances
✅ Full documentation available
✅ Strategic locations with guaranteed appreciation
✅ Trusted experts doing all due diligence for you
👉 Click here to view our verified Asokoro land deals:
🔗 https://kadimadeals.com/asokoro-land-investment/
Don’t gamble with your hard-earned money. Let’s help you invest the smart way.
