How to Verify Land Documents Before Buying in Nigeria
Introduction
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make in Nigeria is buying land without proper verification. Every year, thousands lose money to land scams due to fake or incomplete documents. In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly verify land documents before buying property — and avoid becoming another victim.
Why Land Verification Matters in Nigeria
Nigeria’s land market is largely unregulated, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. Fraudsters forge documents, sell land multiple times, or misrepresent land ownership.
Key risks include:
Buying government-committed or under acquisition land.
Paying for land without excision, Gazette or Certificate of Occupancy.
Investing in property with forged or expired documents.
Bottom line: Without verifying documents, you risk losing both the land and your money.
Most Important Land Documents to Verify
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Proves government has officially granted ownership.
Issued by the state government.
Gazette
Official government record that shows land excised to a community.
Safer for investors than unexcised land.
Excision
Means the government has released a portion of acquired land to indigenous people.
Excision-in-process is not enough — verify it is published.
Registered Survey Plan
Shows the land size and coordinates.
Should be plotted at the Surveyor General’s office.
Deed of Assignment
Legal document transferring ownership from seller to buyer.
Must be stamped and registered.
Governor’s Consent
Required when property with C of O is transferred to a new owner.
How to Verify Land Documents in Nigeria
Land Registry Search
Visit the State Land Registry (e.g., Alausa for Lagos Land Verification) to check land status.
Confirm title authenticity and encumbrance status.
Surveyor General’s Office Verification
Plot the coordinates of the survey plan.
Confirm land isn’t under government acquisition.
Engage a Real Estate Lawyer
A property lawyer can run all official checks.
Saves time, avoids costly mistakes.
Developer & Seller Background Check
Is the company registered with CAC?
Do they have verifiable completed projects?
Community Verification (in case of family land)
Visit the community to confirm claims.
Involve local chiefs, omo-onile or traditional landowners.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
“Excised land” with no Gazette or file number.
Survey plans not stamped or signed.
Missing Deed of Assignment.
Sellers resisting verification steps.
Developers rushing you to pay quickly.
Checklist: What You Must Verify Before Paying
| Document | What to Check | Verified At |
|---|---|---|
| C of O | Validity, owner name, survey match | State Land Registry |
| Excision/Gazette | File number, published in Gazette | Bureau of Lands |
| Survey Plan | Coordinates, government acquisition | Surveyor General’s Office |
| Deed of Assignment | Proper signing, stamp duty paid | Legal review & Stamp Duty Office |
| Developer’s CAC Certificate | RC Number, active status | CAC Website (search.cac.gov.ng) |
Who Should Help You With Land Verification?
Real Estate Lawyer – Handles legal search and due diligence.
Registered Surveyor – Confirms land boundaries and checks for acquisition.
Trusted Realtor/Consultant – Provides verified listings and background intel.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment
Verifying land documents may feel tedious, but it’s the single most important step before paying for land in Nigeria. Whether you’re buying farmland in Oyo or residential plots in Lagos, don’t rely on trust — rely on verified titles.
Need help verifying land before you buy?
Our due diligence team provides professional land verification across Nigeria. Contact us today for document review, site inspection, and secure purchase advisory.
