Before You Buy Any Land in Nigeria — These Are the Documents You Must See First

Buying land in Nigeria can either be your best investment… or your biggest mistake.

Every day, people lose millions of Naira to fake land deals, dubious “omo onile,” and fraudulent estate agents — all because they didn’t ask for the right documents before paying.

If you’re thinking of buying land anywhere in Nigeria — whether in Lagos, Abuja, or even your hometown — this guide will save you from costly regret.

Let’s go straight to what matters 

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

This is the king of all land documents in Nigeria.

A C of O is issued by the state government, proving that the land has been officially allocated and recognized by law.

Why it matters:

It shows the government has approved the land for private use.

It prevents double allocation or land disputes.

It allows you to apply for loans using the land as collateral.

Pro Tip: Always confirm the authenticity of a C of O at the Land Registry of the State where the land is located before paying.

2. Deed of Assignment

When a landowner sells to you, this document transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.

It contains details like:

The names of both parties

The description of the property

The purchase price

The date of transfer

Why it matters:
Without a Deed of Assignment, you don’t have a legal record showing that the land now belongs to you.

Important:
After signing, you must register it at the Lands Registry to make it legally valid and recognized by the government.

3. Survey Plan

This shows the exact location, size, and boundaries of the land.

It also reveals whether the land is under government acquisition, reserved for public use, or available for private development.

What to look for:

The surveyor’s seal and signature (must be a registered surveyor)

Beacon numbers and coordinates

Whether it falls under “Freehold” or “Acquisition” zone

Pro Tip: Take the survey plan to the Office of the Surveyor General for verification before making payment.

4. Receipt of Payment

This is your proof of transaction — evidence that you paid for the land.

Whether you’re buying from an individual or a real estate company, the receipt should include:

The amount paid

The date of payment

The name of the buyer and seller

Signature of both parties

Never pay in cash without documentation. Always use bank transfers so you have a clear record.

5. Deed of Lease (If Applicable)

Some lands are leased from the government (especially in developed cities like Lagos).

In that case, what you’re buying is the leasehold interest — usually for 99 years.

The Deed of Lease spells out the terms, duration, and renewal process of that lease.

Tip: Don’t be scared of leasehold property — most urban lands in Nigeria are under this arrangement.

6. Governor’s Consent

Even after getting a Deed of Assignment, the Governor’s Consent is what makes your ownership fully recognized by law.

Under the Land Use Act (1978), all lands belong to the government. So, any land transaction must get the Governor’s approval.

Why it’s important:

It legally validates your purchase.

It helps you avoid future disputes or revocation.

It increases the resale value of your land.

Pro Tip: Many people skip this step — don’t! It’s better to process it immediately after buying.

7. Family Land Agreement (If Buying from Omo Onile or Family Land)

If you’re buying from a family, you need an authenticated family land agreement showing all principal members (usually family heads or elders) consented to the sale.

Watch out for:

Only one family member signing (that’s a red flag).

Disagreements among family members — it could lead to court cases later.

Tip: Always involve a lawyer experienced in property law when buying family land.

8. Excision and Gazette (For Land in Lagos and Some States)

Some lands are originally owned by the government but later released (excised) to communities.

If you’re buying such land, check that the excision is approved and recorded in the official Gazette.

Why it matters:
A land that’s not gazetted can still be reclaimed by the government, no matter how much you’ve built on it.

Bonus Tip: Always Conduct a Title Search

Before paying, let your lawyer or surveyor do a land search at the appropriate land registry.
This search will reveal:

The real owner of the land

Whether the land is under government acquisition

If there are pending disputes or encumbrances

It’s a small cost compared to the headache it saves you.

Conclusion

In Nigeria, the real cost of land isn’t just the price you pay — it’s the documents that come with it.

Without the right papers, your dream property can easily turn into a nightmare.

So before you sign or transfer a single kobo, insist on seeing all these documents — and verify them.

Remember: You don’t truly own land in Nigeria until the papers say so.

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