Business
Avoiding Legal Problems: The Importance of Due Diligence Before Buying Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong
Skipping due diligence before buying property in Nigeria can lead to devastating legal problems.
Consider Tunde’s story. Tunde, a hopeful investor, trusted in promises and skipped due diligence.
He ended up with land under government acquisition, facing the bitter consequences of a hasty decision.
His story echoes through the real estate market, serving as a cautionary tale to those who believe shortcuts are harmless.
As a realtor with years of experience, I’ve seen many lessons in real estate, and Tunde’s story is one of them.
In September 2020, Tunde reached out to me after reading one of my articles.
He was thrilled about buying land in Folu Ise village, Ibeju-Lekki, because it was very cheap—just around N300,000.
I advised him to verify the land’s documents to ensure it wasn’t under government acquisition.
However, because the real estate company behind the deal was popular,
Tunde chose to trust them and rushed into the purchase.
Later, Tunde found out the land was under government acquisition and couldn’t be used.
He lost a significant amount of money and learned a painful lesson.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated case—many investors who bought land in that location around that time have faced similar losses.
This is why working with an experienced and thorough realtor is crucial. I ensure my clients avoid these pitfalls and make secure, informed investments.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, taking the time to verify, investigate, and confirm every aspect of a property before purchasing is a prudent decision that can save you from heartache and financial ruin.
It’s a humid afternoon in Lagos, and you’re sitting across from a beaming seller at a bustling cafe.
He’s selling you a dream—a piece of land in a prime location, promising high returns and a secure future.
The deal seems too good to pass up. Excited by the possibilities, you shake hands, exchange money, and leave with a sense of accomplishment. But what happens next?
Months down the line, reality hits hard. You receive a letter from a government agency claiming ownership of the land.
The seller has disappeared, and your dreams of building a home or starting a business are shattered.
The money you invested seems irretrievable, and legal battles loom ominously on the horizon.
The regret sinks in—why didn’t you verify everything before signing the dotted line?
Skipping due diligence before buying property in Nigeria can lead to devastating legal problems.
It’s not just about securing a good deal; it’s about protecting your investment, your future, and your peace of mind.
The Heartbreak of Legal Issues Imagine the emotional turmoil of realizing that the property you thought was yours is entangled in legal disputes.
The stress of navigating complex legal systems, the financial burden of legal fees, and the uncertainty of the outcome can weigh heavily on anyone.
It’s a scenario that no one wants to experience, yet many unwitting buyers find themselves in precisely this predicament.
Why Due Diligence Matters
Due diligence isn’t just a formality—it’s your shield against potential disasters.
Here’s why taking the time to investigate before buying property in Nigeria is crucial:
1. Verifying Ownership and Title The first step in due diligence is confirming that the seller has legal ownership of the property and can transfer that ownership to you.
In Nigeria, where land ownership can be contentious and documentation irregular, verifying the title is non-negotiable.
Without this step, you risk buying property that someone else may claim as theirs, leading to legal battles that could tie up your investment indefinitely.
2. Uncovering Hidden Liabilities Properties can come with hidden liabilities such as unpaid taxes, mortgages, or pending litigation. Without due diligence, you might inherit these financial burdens along with the property. Imagine buying what seems like a lucrative plot of land, only to discover hefty tax bills or unresolved disputes that threaten your financial stability.
3. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations Local regulations, zoning laws, environmental restrictions—these are just some of the regulatory aspects that can affect your property’s use and value.
Ignoring these factors can result in penalties, restrictions on developmand ent, or even demolition orders. Due diligence ensures that the property you intend to buy aligns with your plans and complies with all legal requirements.
4. Assessing Market Value A property’s market value isn’t always what it seems. Sellers may inflate prices, especially in high-demand areas or emerging markets.
By conducting due diligence, including market analysis and comparative valuations, you can negotiate from a position of knowledge.
Knowing the true value protects you from overpaying and ensures that your investment is financially sound.
5. Protecting Your Peace of Mind Investing in real estate should be exciting, not anxiety-inducing.
Proper due diligence provides peace of mind, knowing that you’ve done everything possible to safeguard your investment.
It’s about making informed decisions rather than taking blind risks, ensuring that your property purchase is a step towards your goals, not a leap into uncertainty.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of real estate investment in Nigeria, due diligence isn’t just advisable—it’s essential.
It’s the difference between a successful transaction and a costly mistake.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, taking the time to verify, investigate, and confirm every aspect of a property before purchasing is a prudent decision that can save you from heartache and financial ruin.
So, before you sign that contract or transfer that payment, ask yourself: Have I done my due diligence?
The answer could make all the difference in your real estate journey.
Written by Dennis Isong, your trusted advisor in Nigeria’s real estate market.
Let’s ensure your next investment is a smart and secure one.
STOP LOSING MONEY IN LAGOS REAL ESTATE! Learn How to Protect Your Investment Today. => LandProperty.ng/free
Your future deserves the assurance of due diligence.
Business
CPPE Tasks Govt to Fix Cost of Living Crisis Amid GDP Growth
Reacting on Nigeria’s third quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 3.98 percent , CPPE said that it’s laudable, but called for policy interventions to fix the cost of living crisis.
The Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE) tasks the government to ensure that GDP Growth and macroeconomic stability translate into real improvements in citizens’ welfare.
Reacting on Nigeria’s third quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 3.98 percent , CPPE said that it’s laudable, but called for policy interventions to fix the cost of living crisis.
Dr Muda Yusuf, CEO of the CPPE, notes that despite the improvment in the GDP, the cost-of-living crisis remains a concern .
He said: ” While disinflation is underway and prices of some food items and manufactured products are easing, the social outcomes of economic reforms continue to weigh on households.
” It is therefore imperative for policymaking to prioritise targeted interventions to address the uneasiness around the cost of living and ensure that GDP Growth and macroeconomic stability translate into real improvements in citizens’ welfare—particularly for vulnerable groups.”
To consolidate the gains recorded in Q3 and unlock stronger, more inclusive growth, Dr Yusuf, said that the following policy interventions are critical:
Reduce Structural Bottlenecks
Address energy supply constraints, reduce logistics costs, improve port efficiency, and accelerate transport infrastructure development.
Mitigate the Cost-of-Living Crisis
Implement targeted social interventions and remove structural impediments that elevate consumer prices.
All tiers of government [local, state and federal] must sustain targeted interventions in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, transportation and energy to fix the cost of living crisis.
Business
Dangote Targets Nigeria Festive Season Monthly Supply of 1.5 billion litres of PMS
This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery says that it has concluded arrangements to supply over 50 million litres of petrol per day into the Nigerian market this festive season (December to January).
The company said that the decision was taken to ensure that there is no shortage of the product during the festive season.
This translates to 1.5 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the month of December.
The same amount of product will also be supplied in January 2026, it was added.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, announced the plans.
Dangote said: “In line with our commitment to national well-being, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month.
This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment.
We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.75 billion litres in February, which translates to over 60 million litres per day.”
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily.
He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Business
Dangote Partners Honeywell International to Boost Refinery Capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, has signed a landmark contract with U.S. industrial giant Honeywell International to execute a significant capacity upgrade that will boost the facility’s crude processing capability from the current 650,000 barrels per day to an ambitious 1.4 million barrels per day.
The multi-billion-dollar project, described by sources close to the deal as one of the largest refinery expansion initiatives globally in recent years, will involve the installation of advanced process units, automation systems, and energy-efficiency technologies supplied and integrated by Honeywell UOP and Honeywell Process Solutions.
Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, confirmed the partnership, stating: “This strategic collaboration with Honeywell will position the Dangote Refinery as one of the top five largest refineries in the world by capacity.
The upgrade will not only enhance our ability to meet Nigeria’s complete refined products demand but also establish the refinery as a major export hub for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals across Africa and beyond.
”The expansion is expected to be implemented in phases, with key units including additional crude distillation, hydrocracking, and catalytic reforming modules.
Honeywell’s proprietary technologies are anticipated to improve yield of high-value products while reducing energy consumption and emissions.Upon completion, the 1.4 million bpd Dangote Refinery will surpass the current global top-tier facilities such as Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar Refinery (1.24 million bpd) and Paraguay’s planned 1.2 million bpd project, cementing its status as the world’s largest single-train refinery.
The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs during the construction and commissioning phases and further reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
A spokesperson for Honeywell confirmed the award, saying the company was “honored to partner with Dangote on this transformative project that will reshape the African downstream landscape.
”Detailed timelines and the exact value of the contract were not disclosed, but industry analysts estimate the expansion could exceed $5–7 billion in total investment.
The statement said: Dangote Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Honeywell International Inc to support the next phase of expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
This collaboration will provide advanced technology and services that will enable the refinery to increase its processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, marking a major milestone in our long-term vision to build the world’s largest petroleum refining complex.
Through this agreement, Honeywell will supply specialised catalysts, equipment, and process technologies that will allow the refinery to process a broader slate of crude grades efficiently and to further enhance product quality and operational reliability.
Honeywell, a global Fortune 100 industrial and technology company, offers a wide portfolio of solutions across aviation, automotive, industrial automation, and advanced materials.
Honeywell’s division UOP has been a technology partner to Dangote since 2017, providing proprietary refining systems, catalyst regeneration equipment, high performance column trays, and heat exchanger technologies that support our best-in-class operations.
Dangote Group is also advancing its petrochemical footprint. As part of the wider collaboration, we are scaling our polypropylene capacity to 2.4 million metric tons annually using Honeywell’s Oleflex technology.
Polypropylene is a key industrial material widely used across packaging, manufacturing, and automotive applications.In addition to refining expansion, Dangote Group is progressing with the next phase of its fertiliser growth plan in Nigeria. We will increase our urea production capacity from 3 million metric tons to 9 million metric tons annually.
The existing plant consists of two trains of 1.5 million metric tons each. The expansion will add four additional trains to meet growing demand for high-quality fertiliser across Africa and global markets.
Dangote Group remains fully committed to delivering world-class industrial capacity, strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth through long-term investment, innovation, and strategic global partnerships.
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