Land is one of the most secure investments in Nigeria, provided the title is clean. These are the documents to ask for, and verify, before any money changes hands.
Land remains one of the most popular ways to build wealth in Lagos, but it is also where buyers are most exposed to risk. Before you pay for any plot, make sure the seller can prove they have the right to sell it, and that the land is free for the use you intend.
The documents to ask for
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), the primary evidence of a right to occupy land granted by the state.
- Governor's Consent, required where land with an existing title is being transferred to a new owner.
- A registered survey plan showing the exact location, size, and boundaries of the plot.
- Deed of Assignment, the agreement that transfers the seller's interest to you, which should then be registered.
- For family or community land, evidence of excision or gazette status, and the consent of the family head and principal members.
Verify before you trust
Copies of documents are not enough on their own. A search at the Lagos State Land Registry confirms who holds the title and whether any charge or dispute is recorded, and a charting of the survey plan confirms the land is not under government acquisition.
Always visit the site, speak with neighbours, and engage a lawyer to review the documents before you sign. Our real estate team can guide you through each of these steps for the plots we market.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so confirm the current position with a qualified lawyer.
