Business
Real Estate Due Diligence: What Every Buyer Must Check Before Paying in Lagos State by Dennis Isong
Avoid lands tagged as “committed”—this means the government has already planned something for that area.
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Mr. Samuel had finally saved enough to buy his dream plot in Lagos. He was tired of renting and wanted a piece of land to call his own.
One day, he came across a well-dressed agent who promised him a juicy deal—a prime piece of land in Ibeju-Lekki at an unbelievably low price.
The agent assured him that everything was “clean.” No Omo Onile drama, no government wahala. Mr. Samuel was excited.
He visited the land once, saw a few other buyers inspecting, and felt reassured. Without conducting any serious checks, he quickly made payment.
The agent even arranged for a “lawyer” to draft a deed of assignment. Everything seemed perfect.
Two months later, Mr. Samuel decided to start building. That was when the nightmare began. A group of fierce-looking men stormed the site, shouting that the land belonged to their family.
They claimed they never sold it to anyone. Confused and scared, Mr. Samuel tried calling the agent—his number was switched off.
The “lawyer” who drafted his deed had disappeared too. He went to the Lagos State Land Registry, only to discover that the land was government-acquired. Mr. Samuel had lost everything.
His hard-earned savings, his dreams, and his peace of mind. This could have been avoided if only he had done proper due diligence before paying.
What is Due Diligence in Real Estate?
Due diligence means verifying everything about a property before committing to buy it. It’s like running a background check to make sure you are not about to throw your money into a trap.
Lagos is notorious for real estate fraud—Omo Onile disputes, fake land documents, and government-acquired properties being resold illegally. One wrong move and you could lose millions.
So, before you pay a kobo, here are the critical things you must check:
1. Confirm Ownership: Who Really Owns the Land?
Never assume the person selling the land is the real owner. People sell land they don’t own every day in Lagos. Some are tenants or relatives of the real owner, while others are pure scammers.
What to Do:
● Ask for the title documents (C of O, Deed of Assignment, Governor’s Consent, or Survey Plan).
● Go to the Lagos State Land Registry (Alausa) to verify the document. If the land is not registered, don’t buy it.
● If it’s family land, ensure all family members involved sign the documents to avoid future disputes.
2. Verify Land Title and Documents
Even if the seller shows you a C of O, don’t trust it blindly. Fake C of Os and land documents flood the market. Some lands also have government restrictions, meaning they can be demolished anytime.
What to Do:
● Conduct a search at the Lagos State Lands Bureau to verify if the title is genuine.
● Cross-check survey plans at the Office of the Surveyor-General to confirm the land’s coordinates and whether it falls under government acquisition.
● Engage a trusted real estate lawyer to help you review the documents.
3. Check for Government Acquisition Issues Lagos State is aggressive when it comes to land acquisition. Some lands are meant for future government projects but are still being illegally sold to unsuspecting buyers.
What to Do: ● Visit the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to check if the land is under acquisition.
● Avoid lands tagged as “committed”—this means the government has already planned something for that area.
4. Conduct a Physical Inspection—Don’t Rely on Photos Many buyers have fallen victim to real estate scams because they paid for land they never saw. Some agents take buyers to a different land, collect money, and disappear.
What to Do:
● Visit the land multiple times—morning, afternoon, and evening. ● Talk to neighbors and ask questions about the land’s history.
● Check for any signs of disputes (e.g., different people laying claims to the land).
5. Avoid Verbal Agreements—Everything Must Be in Writing Many people have lost money because they trusted verbal agreements. Some sellers will promise you land and later deny ever meeting you.
What to Do:
● Ensure you have a proper sales agreement signed by both parties.
● The agreement should be prepared by a trusted lawyer, not the seller’s lawyer (to avoid conflict of interest).
● Every payment must be documented, and receipts issued.
6. Investigate the Seller or Real Estate Company Some real estate companies in Lagos operate like Ponzi schemes.
They sell lands that don’t belong to them, promising fake allocations.
Before you pay, verify! Before you sign, investigate! Before you trust, confirm! And if you need expert guidance, reach out to a trusted real estate professional (like me) who can help you avoid the pitfalls.
What to Do:
● Research the company’s history and reviews from past buyers.
● Confirm their RC number and check if they are registered with CAC.
● Visit their physical office and ask tough questions. 7. Beware of Omo Onile Wahala Omo Onile (land grabbers) can frustrate landowners with illegal fees and disturbances.
They can show up after purchase, demanding extra money or threatening to seize the land.
What to Do:
● Buy land in secured estates to avoid Omo Onile drama.
● If buying directly from a family, ensure ALL family members agree to the sale.
● Have a lawyer draft an indemnity clause in your agreement to protect you from future Omo Onile claims.
8. Know the Land Use Purpose
Not all lands are meant for residential buildings. Some are strictly for commercial, agricultural, or industrial use.
What to Do:
● Check the zoning regulations at the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning.
● If you’re buying for business, ensure you won’t run into legal troubles later.
Don’t Let Greed and Urgency Lead You Into a Trap Many people fall victim to real estate scams because they are in a rush or want “cheap land.”
Lagos is a tough market—if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Remember Mr. Ade’s story? Don’t let it happen to you. No matter how urgent the deal seems, take your time to verify everything.
Due diligence is not a waste of time; it’s the only thing standing between you and financial disaster.
Before you pay, verify! Before you sign, investigate! Before you trust, confirm! And if you need expert guidance, reach out to a trusted real estate professional (like me) who can help you avoid the pitfalls.
Business
The Buy-and-Hold Strategy for Lagos Real Estate Investors by Dennis Isong
Population is increasing, businesses are expanding, and land is becoming more valuable. If done right, a buy-and-hold strategy can secure long-term wealth for any investor.
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If you’re thinking of making serious money in Lagos real estate, you must understand one of the most reliable strategies: buy-and-hold.
This is when you buy a property, hold it for years, and allow its value to appreciate while earning rental income.
Lagos is a dynamic and ever-growing city.
Population is increasing, businesses are expanding, and land is becoming more valuable. If done right, a buy-and-hold strategy can secure long-term wealth for any investor.
Why Buy-and-Hold Works in Lagos Land and Property Appreciate Fast Lagos is a land of gold—figuratively.
With high demand and limited land space, properties in strategic locations appreciate fast.
If you bought land in Lekki Phase 1 twenty years ago, you could sell it today for more than 20 times the original price.
The earlier you buy, the better. Steady Rental Income Lagos is home to millions of people, and many prefer renting rather than buying.
A well-located property can generate steady rental income that grows over time.
The more people move into Lagos, the higher the rental demand.
Beating Inflation Nigeria’s economy has its ups and downs, but real estate always finds a way to stay ahead of inflation.
While the value of the naira fluctuates, properties continue to appreciate. This makes real estate a safe hedge against inflation.
Steps to Succeed in the Buy-and-Hold Strategy
1. Pick the Right Location Lagos has different property markets. Some areas grow faster than others.
Choose a location based on your investment goal.● For rapid appreciation: Look at developing areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, or parts of Ikorodu.● For steady rental income: Invest in places with high demand for rentals, like Yaba, Surulere, Lekki, or Ikeja.● For luxury and long-term gains: Consider high-end areas like Ikoyi, Banana Island, or Victoria Island.
Do your research, visit the location, and study the growth trends before investing.
2. Buy from a Trusted Source Lagos real estate is lucrative, but it’s also filled with scams.
Many investors have fallen victim to land disputes or properties with unclear titles.
Ensure that the property has proper documentation—like the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or a Governor’s Consent.
Work with a reliable real estate professional who understands the Lagos market.
Don’t fall for “cheap deals” without verifying ownership.3. Decide Between Land or Built Property ● Buying land is great for long-term appreciation. You can hold it for years and sell later at a higher price.● Buying a house or apartment gives you immediate rental income while still appreciating in value.
If you have the patience to wait, land investment is powerful. If you want regular cash flow, go for rental properties.
4. Maximize Rental Income If your goal is passive income, make your property attractive to tenants. Consider:● Security: Lagos tenants prioritize safety.● Amenities: Good roads, water supply, and electricity boost rental value.● Short-let options: Platforms like Airbnb can give you higher returns, especially in areas like Lekki and Victoria Island.
If your property is well-maintained, you’ll attract quality tenants and increase your rental value over time.
5. Be Patient and Think Long-Term Real estate is not a quick-money scheme. The buy-and-hold strategy requires patience. Lagos properties appreciate, but it takes time.
Many investors regret selling too early when they see the prices skyrocketing years later.
Think of real estate like fine wine—it gets better with time. Potential Risks and How to Overcome Them Government Policies Policies like land use charges or demolitions can affect investments.
Stay updated with real estate laws in Lagos. Work with professionals to ensure your property is compliant.
Maintenance Costs
If you own rental property, you’ll need to maintain it. Set aside funds for repairs and upgrades to keep it attractive to tenants.
Bad Tenants
Some tenants may refuse to pay or damage your property.
Screen tenants properly before renting out your property, and have a solid lease agreement.
The buy-and-hold strategy is a proven way to build wealth in Lagos real estate. It allows you to generate rental income while your property appreciates in value.
With proper planning, the right location, and patience, your investment will reward you in the long run.
So, are you ready to secure your future with Lagos real estate? Start now—because five years from today, you’ll wish you had.
Dennis Isong and team.
+2348164741041+2348028667565
Business
President Pledges Support for Fintech Companies As Flutterwave Seeks Listing on NGX
The CEO of Flutterwave, Agboola, said the company has made it easy for Nigerians to pay for some global services with Naira and provided payment platforms for Nigerians in the diaspora who are willing to send money to families and relatives in the country.
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▪︎In picture: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, Chief Executive Officer Flutterwave, Mr Olugbenga Agoola and CEO Alami Capital, Miss Olu Seun Olufemi-White, after a Meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
President Tinubu said his administration will support businesses in the financial technology sector that provide payment infrastructure services for Nigerians and Africans.
He said this when he received the leadership of Flutterwave and Alami Capital in Abuja on Saturday afternoon.
Flutterwave, a leading Fintech company founded by young Nigerians and headquartered in Lagos, operates in the U.S., Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, and 29 other African countries. Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO; Adeleke Adekoya, a co-founder; Oluwabankole Falade and Mitesh Popat, represented Flutterwave at the meeting.
Ms Oluseun Olufemi-White represented Alami Capital as its CEO. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun led the delegation to meet President Tinubu.
Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also attended.
President Tinubu said Nigeria is genuinely open to business, and as President, he is determined to remove all obstacles to allow companies to thrive.
He commended Flutterwave’s commitment to building capacity in the digital economy sector, especially as it is being made possible by energetic, young Nigerians.
He said he is honoured to be the President of a country with such a youthful and resourceful population.
He said the leadership Flutterwave provides in the digital world is what Nigeria needs today to grow its economy and make life easier for most of its population.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said Flutterwave has made significant progress since its establishment 10 years ago.
It has created jobs and helped diversify the economy by providing innovative digital platforms and payment services in Nigeria and across Africa.
The CEO of Flutterwave, Agboola, said the company has made it easy for Nigerians to pay for some global services with Naira and provided payment platforms for Nigerians in the diaspora who are willing to send money to families and relatives in the country.
He said Flutterwave, valued at over $3 billion, is a Nigerian export and brand employing over 1,000 Nigerians.
He said the company seeks to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange and solicited the President’s support.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, said that as Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria must demonstrate its economic prowess by strategically positioning products and services by Nigerian companies, such as Flutterwave, in the homes of all Africans.
He said Flutterwave spends millions of dollars monthly on hosting services, but that money goes to other countries.
He suggested supporting Galaxy Backbone’s hosting services to enable it to handle companies like Flutterwave.
Business
FG Mandates IRWG to Revives over 700 Moribund Industries
The 22-member IRWG team was inaugurated in Abuja, on Thursday this week, by Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, and co-chaired by Francis Meshioye, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
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The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has affirmed that the recently inaugurated Industrial Revolution Working Group (IRWG) by the Federal Government, will go a long way in “waking up those more than 700 industries that have been shutdown for one reason or the other across the manufacturing sector and ensure that they don’t leave the country or be shut again”.
Ajayi-Kadir, expressed the confidence during the launch of the IRWG members team, saying that the group would ignite the revival in the sector and ensure the creation of an environment that is conducive.
The 22-member IRWG team was inaugurated in Abuja, on Thursday this week, by Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, and co-chaired by Francis Meshioye, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
Other members of the group include the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. , representatives from the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Finance, MAN, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACIMMA), and others.
IRWG Mandates
The Minister said that the mandates of the revolution group are :
1. Rejuvenate, innovate, and elevate Nigeria’s industrial future.
2. The IRWG would focus on addressing regulatory bottlenecks, power supply issues, and customs procedures.
3. The IRWG should anchor its efforts on four pillars which include revitalizing dormant industries, infrastructure, and energy solutions, technology innovation, access to finance, and competitiveness.
4. Conduct meticulous audits of industries that once thrived but have since stagnated.
5. Formulating bespoke intervention strategies for their resurgence.
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