Before buying land in Nigeria, a buyer should verify title, ownership history, survey status, acquisition risk, and pending disputes before paying or signing final documents.
Property disputes often begin before completion, when a buyer pays on the strength of assurances that were never independently checked. A title search is the process of confirming whether the seller has a transferable interest and whether the land is affected by competing claims, government acquisition, encumbrances, or litigation risk.
For a proper review, the buyer should examine the seller’s root of title, survey information, prior transfers, perfection status, and the identity of every party claiming authority to sell. Where the property is in Lagos or another formal registry environment, registry searches should be paired with practical checks on the ground.
Key Points
- Confirm who owns the land and how that ownership arose.
- Review survey details and whether the land falls within a restricted or acquired area.
- Check for mortgages, cautions, litigation, or competing transfers.
- Match the legal documents with the physical property being sold.
- Do not treat possession or reputation as a substitute for legal verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a deed of assignment enough proof of ownership?
No. It is an important document, but it should be checked against the seller’s title history, survey information, and registry position.
Should due diligence happen before payment?
Yes. The safest point to investigate is before the buyer becomes financially committed.
For legal advice on property transactions, visit our Real Estate and Property Law page or contact Marturion Legal.