• IATF 2025 opening ceremony , 4 September, Algiers.

Nigeria has been officially picked to host the 2027 edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

This was announced during the opening ceremony on Thursday in Algiers, with calls for African countries to accelerate growth in Intra-African trade and boost economic integration.

At the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, received the IATF flag on behalf of the country as Lagos was confirmed host city for the continental fair in 2027.

The Chairman of the IATF Advisory Council and former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said, “Since its inception, the IATF has rotated across our continent, leaving its unique legacy and improving with each host nation.

“Today we continue the proud tradition by announcing the country that will host IATF2027.

“With Lagos preparing to welcome the world in 2027, the IATF mission continues its quest to deepen trade, unlock investment, and connect Africa to itself and the world at large.

Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the IATF brings together continental and global stakeholders to showcase goods and services, facilitates direct engagement and exchange between businesses and between businesses and government entities.

The fair was established to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement which aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa.

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has expressed deep concerns over incessant invitations, summons by the committee of the National Assembly on the activities of private companies.

OPSN members comprise the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists(NASS), and Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises(NASME).

The Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees(AFBTE) and other 25 sectoral employers ’ associations also decried this situation.

The concern was conveyed through an open letter sent to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, which was published on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

The group said that the practice has continued unhindered despite judicial pronouncements, including a pending appeal before the Supreme Court, which affirms that the powers conferred on the National Assembly in line with sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution do not extend oversight powers to private companies.

They cite judicial precedents in the case of DHL International Nigeria Limited vs Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ORS (FHC/ABJ/CS/261/2018).

The court unequivocally held that private companies do not fall within the category of persons contemplated by sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.

Not every land deal in Nigeria is as straightforward as it looks.

In fact, one of the trickiest types of property transactions you can ever get involved in is buying inherited land.

It often comes with stories, long family histories, and sometimes, unexpected headaches.

While the price may be attractive and the land location desirable, buyers need to slow down and look deeper.

Understanding the 5 Hidden Dangers of Buying Inherited Land in Nigeria can save you from emotional stress, wasted money, and years of court battles.

Let’s take the case of Chidi, a businessman who returned from abroad with the dream of building his retirement home in Lagos.

A relative introduced him to a family selling their dead father’s land.

The documents looked convincing, the price was lower than the market rate, and everything seemed fine—until a year later when one of the late owner’s children sued him, claiming the land was sold without his consent.

What Chidi thought was a dream turned into a nightmare of endless court sessions.

Sadly, his story is not uncommon.This is why we need to unpack the hidden dangers behind inherited land transactions.

1. Family Disputes and Unresolved Ownership

One of the biggest dangers of buying inherited land is family disagreement.

In many Nigerian families, land is passed down without clear documentation of who truly owns what. Some children may feel entitled, while others may want to sell.

The problem arises when not all family members agree.Imagine buying a piece of land from three siblings only to discover later that their fourth brother, who lives abroad, never approved of the sale.

That brother can return anytime and challenge the transaction in court. Until the matter is resolved legally, the land remains under dispute, and your investment stays trapped.

This is why it’s important to confirm that all rightful heirs have agreed in writing before any transaction takes place.

2. Lack of Proper Documentation

Inherited land often lacks complete or updated documentation. Many times, the original owner may have bought the land decades ago without processing proper title documents like a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, or even a Deed of Assignment.

As the land passes down to the children, the paperwork becomes even more confusing.

Some families rely only on informal documents, such as old receipts or local chiefs’ notes, which are not recognized in court.

If you buy such land, you may spend years chasing documents or, worse still, discover that the land was never legally theirs to sell.

Without valid documentation, ownership becomes shaky, and as a buyer, your claim over the land may not stand when challenged.

3. Multiple Sales of the Same Land

This is a common trap with inherited property. Because different family members may see themselves as “owners,” they sometimes sell the same land to multiple buyers.

One sibling may sell to you today, another may sell the same plot to someone else tomorrow, and yet another may use it as collateral for a loan.

When this happens, the buyer with the strongest legal proof wins. If you’re unlucky, you may lose both the land and the money you invested.

In fact, many land disputes in Nigerian courts stem from this exact scenario.

To protect yourself, you need to investigate carefully, confirm the true heirs, and insist on a family agreement that is signed, stamped, and legally backed.

4. Pending Legal Cases or Government Encumbrances

Another hidden danger of buying inherited land in Nigeria is the possibility of hidden lawsuits or government interests. Sometimes, the land may already be under dispute in court between family members.

Other times, the government may have acquired the land for future development, but the family continues selling to unsuspecting buyers.

If you unknowingly buy such land, you automatically inherit the legal problems that come with it.

Court cases can drag for years, draining you financially and emotionally. Worse still, if the government has plans for the land, you may lose everything without compensation.

This is why land verification through proper search at the land registry and even community checks is not optional—it is essential.

5. Emotional Attachments and Delays

Again, many families selling inherited land struggle with emotional attachments. Even after they agree to sell, one family member may suddenly change their mind or refuse to sign the final documents.

Others may delay the process, hoping to renegotiate or back out.This often frustrates buyers who have already invested time and money into the deal.

Unlike buying land from a registered estate company, transactions involving inherited property tend to drag on unnecessarily, causing you to lose both opportunities and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Buying land in Nigeria can be one of the smartest investments you ever make, but it must be done with caution.

When it comes to inherited property, the risks are higher than most people imagine.

From family disputes and lack of documents to multiple sales and hidden court cases, these are the five Hidden Dangers of Buying Inherited Land in Nigeria that every buyer must be aware of.

If you ever consider buying such land, work with professionals—lawyers, surveyors, and trusted realtors who understand the system.

Cutting corners may look cheaper today, but it could cost you everything tomorrow.

And remember, you don’t have to walk this path alone.

• I’m Dennis Isong, a top realtor in Lagos. I help Nigerians in the diaspora own property in Lagos, stress-free.

If you have questions about safe property investment or need guidance on avoiding land scams, call or WhatsApp me at +2348164741041.