How to buy land in Nigeria without being scammed

Buying land is one of the smartest investments you can make in Nigeria. Whether it is for building a home, engaging in farming, or securing land for future resale, land is an asset that appreciates with time and holds value in the long run. It is, however, also considered one of the most dangerous investments due to rampant fraud, fake documentation, and land disputes.

If you are not careful when buying land in Nigeria, you could end up losing your hard-earned money to scammers. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid losing your money to scammers. I will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to buy land in Nigeria without getting scammed.

Why does land fraud occur frequently in Nigeria?

Before we go into the process, it’s important to note why land scams occur so often. First, Nigeria’s land administration system still has gaps, especially for rural areas where no proper documentation can be found. Second, land is highly sought after, leading people to prey on the possibility of fraudulent sale. Third and finally, many people rush into deals for fear of missing out, and scam artists take advantage of this. This should help slow you down and give you time to pay attention to each item before making payments.

Common types of land fraud in Nigeria

To not get scammed, you must understand first how the scams usually happen. The most common are as follows:

• Double selling: A seller sells the same land to multiple buyers.
• Fake ownership claims: Someone who is not the real owner pretends to sell the land.
• Selling government-acquired land: Selling land that belongs to the government or is meant for public projects.
• Omo Onile problems: Local landowners or community youths demanding multiple payments even after purchase.
• Forged documents: Fake Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), survey plans, or deeds of assignment.

Knowing these tricks helps you spot red flags early.

How to buy land in Nigeria without getting scammed

Step 1: Determine the land you want and inspect it physically

First, do not believe pictures, videos, or extravagant words. Go see the land for yourself. You will then be able to confirm whether that plot exists and matches the description you have been given; you will find out where it is, how big it is, and what else is around it. Does it have access to roads? Is it waterlogged? Are there evidences of disputes, such as multiple people claiming ownership, or an unfinished structure abandoned?

It’s a good idea to take someone on the visit, preferably your trusted surveyor or lawyer, since they will be better able to notice any potential problem areas that you might miss. A genuine seller should have no problem with you inspecting the land physically. If they try to stop you, then you should worry.

Step 2: Confirm the true owner of the land 

This is very important, and it will even be the easiest to lose sight of in the frenzy of excitement. The person showing you the land may not be the real owner; they could be an agent, a relative, or even a total stranger. Ask them to show you proof of ownership to confirm this. In Nigeria, it could either be a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment or Registered Survey Plan, or any of the related legal documents.

Ensure that the land is not family or community property. In such a case, you should meet the head of the family or community leader and make sure everybody who has any claim on the land knows that it is to be sold. Most disputes arise when one member sells land without the knowledge or consent of others.

Step 3: Conduct a thorough search at the office of the land registry 

Get a photocopy of the land documents, and take it to the land registry of the relevant state. There is a state land registry in Nigeria, for example, the Lagos State Land Bureau. The search will confirm whether any government acquisition or mortgages exist over the land. 

In Lagos, for example, you can apply for a land search through the Ministry of Lands and get an official report. While this process might take some days and cost some money, it’s worth it. It’s far cheaper than losing your entire investment to fraud.

Step 4: Hire the services of a qualified lawyer 

A competent property lawyer is the best protection against fraud. The legal processes are familiar to him/her, he/she knows how to read and authenticate land papers, and can draw up proper agreements that safeguard you. Avoid using “the seller’s lawyer,” as their loyalty will be to the seller and not to you.

Your lawyer will help you conduct due diligence, negotiate terms, prepare the Deed of Assignment, and ensure the transaction is registered properly. Yes, hiring a lawyer will cost money, but consider it an investment in your peace of mind.

Step 5: Don’t accept cash payments 

One trick in most scams is insisting on cash payment without any receipts to prove that you made such a payment. There will be no proof if the other party decides to dispute the claim. Traceable payments should always be used, like bank transfers or bank drafts, where you can get an official record.

Avoid making a large payment at once before fully completing verification. The best way would be to structure payments whereby the largest portion will be paid only after all the legal checks have been completed and the land is officially transferred to your name. 

Step 6: Have a survey plan done 

A survey plan shows the exact boundaries of the land. Check the survey plan with the office of the Surveyor General in the state if it was provided by the seller. Hire a licensed surveyor if there is no survey provided. This would ensure that you are not buying a small portion of land that overlaps someone else’s property or government land.

Many buyers have lost their land to government demolition because it was located in areas reserved for public projects, something a proper survey could have revealed.

Step 7: Agree on payment terms

After clarifying that the land is real and not encumbered, negotiate for price and terms of payment. Land prices in Nigeria are inflated most of the time, so you have to bargain if you want a fair price. 

Avoid upfront payments without some legal possession or documentation. If payment is to be made in installments, ensure documents are signed and agreed to by both parties for each payment.

Step 8: Get a formal sale agreement

A Sale Agreement (or Deed of Assignment) is your legal proof of purchase. It will clearly state:

• Names of buyer and seller 
• Full description of the land 
• Purchase price and payment terms 
• Date of transfer 
• Signatures of both parties and witnesses

Ensure the document is prepared and executed in the presence of your lawyer and subsequently registered with the land registry.

Step 9: Process your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent 

In Nigeria, land is owned by the state; an individual can have it only on lease from the government for 99 years through the Land Use Act. This is why, for virgin land, you will need a C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) from the government or consent for previously owned land. Basically, it is the document that shows that the government has approved your ownership.

It takes a lot of time before these documents can be processed, but once obtained, the land is legally yours in the eyes of the law. 

Step 10: Be careful about deals that sound too good to be true 

Proceed with extreme caution when the price of a plot is far lower than the market rate for that area. Scammers know how to cash in on the temptation for a bargain that often clouds judgment. Prices in the area must be compared with the reason that particular plot is sold for that price.

This also applies to pressure tactics: “If you don’t pay today, someone else will buy it tomorrow.” Real sellers know that due diligence takes time. 

Step 11: Store all transaction records 

From the first meeting to the final payment, keep copies of every document, receipt, and communication. Store both physical and digital copies. These records can serve as evidence if disputes arise later. A well-documented process is a strong shield against fraudulent claims. 

Step 12: Don’t rush things 

Scammers excel where time is on their side. Perhaps they want you to secure land before prices swell or the seller claims, “other buyers are waiting.” Take your time. A genuine seller will not rush you. 

Signs you are being scammed 

Based on actual cases in Nigeria, these are red flags to watch out for: 

• Seller refuses to show original documents 
• Documents have spelling errors or mismatched names 
• Land is sold very cheaply 
• The sellers do not let the government or a lawyer get involved 
• Seller is always very eager to get the full payment upfront 

All these things should raise a red flag, and you should walk away. 

What to do if you suspect fraud 

If you suspect a scam, walk away immediately and report to the authorities. But if you have already made payment: 

• Immediately consult your lawyer
• Make a report to the police (Special Fraud Unit if applicable)
• Complaint at the state land registry
• Seek an injunction through the court preventing further sale
• Act swiftly. Delays make recovery harder. 

Conclusion

Buying land in Nigeria requires patience and constant vigilance, as well as the right professionals around you. The process of buying land in Nigeria can take weeks or months, but they are nothing compared to the years of regret you may have after being scammed. Losing a deal is always better than losing money. Take your time, follow the process, and you will be far more likely to end up with a genuine, legally secure piece of land that will serve you for years to come.