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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.

Published

10 months ago

January 20, 2025

OCHEFA

243 Views

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.

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NAFDAC’s Ban on sachets alcohol: the economy repercussions, by MAN

The Association emphasised that the ban would likely lead to the “Loss of over N1.9 trillion in investments, primarily from indigenous Nigerian companies.

Published

8 hours ago

November 13, 2025

OCHEFA

8 Views

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the government’s move to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small PET bottles, effective December 31, 2025, will have severe repercussions on the economy.

” This announcement by the NAFDAC, in our view, is counterproductive and threatens to disrupt the economy significantly at a time when it is beginning to stabilise,” said the Association through its Director-General, Ajayi-Kadir.

The Association emphasised that the ban would likely lead to the “Loss of over N1.9 trillion in investments, primarily from indigenous Nigerian companies.

• Mass retrenchment of over 500,000 direct employees and approximately 5 million indirect employees through contracts, marketing, and logistics.”

Ajayi-Kadir said that the earlier directive from the Ministry of Health for a one-year extension, which included the consideration and validation of the draft National Alcohol Policy by stakeholders, should have been taken into account before any significant announcement from another government body.

“We believe that a consultation with whether through a public hearing or focused meetings with relevant parties in the alcohol beverage industry, should have been conducted by the appropriate Senate Committee before an outright ban was imposed.

This approach was successfully followed by the House of Representatives in the recent past,” he stated.

Ajayi-Kadir highlighted that issues related to the ban on alcohol in sachets and small PET bottles were addressed by a broad committee that included all stakeholders, along with NAFDAC representatives, who validated the National Alcohol Policy in October 2025. The committee made the following key recommendations:

• Develop multi-sectoral action plans.- Strengthen enforcement by law enforcement agencies

• Establish licensed liquor stores/outlets in Local Government Areas nationwide.

• Increase monitoring and compliance checks by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and others to ensure product quality and safety.

• Regulatory bodies should focus more on regulation, monitoring, and educational campaigns to inform stakeholders and the public about the dangers of underage alcohol consumption and its sale in motor parks.

• Conduct educational campaigns in secondary schools across the country to raise awareness among students about the dangers and issues related to alcohol abuse.

Furthermore, we would like to note that the unfounded and untested claim of abuse by minors has been challenged by several independent studies conducted by the government.

The industry has proactively launched campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption to discourage underage abuse, resulting in expenditures exceeding one billion Naira on media outreach across the nation, which has effectively just underage drinking.

Ajayi-Kadir also stressed that the Senate’s directive for an outright ban is unjust and does not reflect the industry’s true conditions, as it seems the upper chamber has only considered NAFDAC’s perspective.

NAFDAC was part of the validation organised by the Ministry of Health, and it should have presented its views to the Committee and the Ministry during that process, rather than circumventing these channels and approaching the National Assembly without consulting other stakeholders.

Business

Following Lagos, FG moves to ban single-use plastics

In his inaugural address, the SGF, George Akume, stated that the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards.

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2025

OCHEFA

24 Views

The Federal Government has commenced the process to ban single-use plastics, inaugurating a committee to steer the policy.

Lagos government began fully enforcement ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), including styrofoam packs, plastic straws, disposable cups, plastic cutlery, and nylons less than 40 microns thick, on July 1, 2025.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) , yesterday , set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs).

Earlier, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its meeting on June 25, 2024, approved the ban , specifically targeting Polyethene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam food packs, plastic shopping bags, sachet water packaging, and plastic straws.

In his inaugural address, the SGF, George Akume, stated that the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards.

He said: “The FEC decision was in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle various health and environmental challenges, especially those caused by single-use plastic products and therefore, approved the ban in the country of polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water and straw, which has become an environmental sanitation challenge.”

Business

UBA commits $102m direct investments in Chad’s securities

Themed “Financing African Competitiveness – Building Bridges, Powering Progress,” the forum highlighted investment opportunities under Chad’s $30 billion Tchad Connexion 2030 development blueprint.

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2025

OhiBaba

27 Views

•Oliver Alawuba, GMD UBA

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced a $102 million direct investment in the State of Chad’s securities in an efforts to strengthen economic growth and financial inclusion across Africa.

The announcement was made by UBA Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, during his keynote address at the UAE–Chad Trade and Investment Forum held on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

According to Alawuba, the $102 million investment underscored UBA’s confidence in Chad’s economic potential and demonstrates its long-term commitment to financing sustainable development on the continent.

“At UBA, our commitment is two-fold: we are both architects of national infrastructure and champions of grassroots financial inclusion,” he said. “Here in Chad, this is not a promise; it is a proven track record.”