INTRODUCTION
Buying land in Lagos can be a profitable investment — but it is also an area filled with risks, fraud, double sales, forged documents and family disputes.
Many buyers make the mistake of trusting verbal assurances or relying solely on survey plans given to them. Proper verification is the ONLY way to protect your money and avoid future litigation.
This guide explains the essential steps involved in verifying land in Lagos, based on over 25 years of legal experience advising property investors.
1. conduct a physical inspection
Before any document review, visit the land physically.
Checklist:
• Is the land accessible?
• Is it fenced, developed or in a swampy area?
• Are people already on the land?
• Is the land under acquisition or free?
• Are there visible government markings (e.g., “acquired by LASG”)?
2. ask for all documents from the seller
A genuine seller will not hide documents.
Request:
• Survey Plan
• Deed of Assignment or Family Deed
• Deed of Partitioning (if any)
• Wills
• Letters of Administration
• Gazette (if applicable)
• Excision documents
• Power of Attorney (if a family representative is selling)
• Court orders (if sold by Receiver/Bank)
• Receipt and purchase history
If the seller hesitates — that is a red flag.
3. verify the survery plan at the lagos surveyor general’s office
This step is critical.
At the Surveyor General’s Office, check:
• If the coordinates match the actual site
• Whether the land falls under government acquisition
• Whether the land is committed, excised, gazetted or freehold
• Whether the survey truly exists
Many fake surveys are in circulation. Do not rely on the paper alone.
• Servicse of a surveyor may be engaged.
4. conduct the family, community or cDA leaders
This will reveal:
• Whether the land has a registered title
• If there are encumbrances or court injunctions
• Previous registrations
• Conflicting claims
You cannot confirm title ownership without this search.
5. interview the family, community or CDA leaders
When dealing with family or village land, ask:
• Who are the accredited representatives?
• Is there internal dispute within the family?
• Has any other buyer been sold the same land?
• Has the land been mortgaged or pledged?
You may need Minutes of Family Meeting, Deed of Family Appointment, or Power of Attorney.
6. verify through the local government
Local governments keep records of:
• Government plans for the area
• Community development projects
This gives clarity about future risks.
7. check for litigation
Many lands in Lagos are subject to litigation.
Never buy a litigated land unless legally advised.
8. engage a property lawyer (mOST IMPORTANT)
Experienced property lawyers:
• Detect forged documents
• Know how to verify land ownership
• Draft valid agreements
• Protect your money legally
• Prevent future disputes
A land purchase without legal guidance is extremely risky.
CONCLUSION
Land verification is not optional — it is compulsory.
A small mistake can lead to millions lost. By following the steps above, you protect yourself from fraud, litigation and invalid ownership.