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.

Published

2 years ago

January 20, 2025

OCHEFA

700 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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Emir Sanusi mobilises Kano People “Buy Dangote Refinery’s Shares Now”

“I speak as the Emir of Kano; I would like my people to be owners of this company . I do not want us to be left behind in the capital markets. I do not want us to be left behind in financial inclusion. So this is the time and this is the opportunity,” said Sanusi.

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2026

OCHEFA

18 Views

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has praised Kano-born businessman Aliko Dangote and encouraged residents to secure a stake in the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plc before the public offering closes.

The royal father made the call on Thursday during the Dangote Refinery IPO investor roadshow in Kano, urging residents to invest only disposable income they can afford to lock away for the long term.

His words, “Do not take your children’s school fees and put in shares. Do not sell the house that you live in and put in shares.

“Buy what you can afford, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000 – what you can afford to set aside for some time, set it aside.

And if you look at the fundamentals of the economy, over time you can be assured that this investment will grow, and you will not regret it.

He also advised prospective investors to choose a long-term approach rather than buying shares in anticipation of quick profits.

“And I’m not talking about someone who will buy 5,000 shares and want to sell tomorrow and believe he will get 10,000. No, I’m talking about you have some money, put it in, leave it there for some time, and just watch your money grow.

Forget about it for some time. You’ll be surprised in five years the 10,000 Naira you invest today, what it will be,” Sanusi said.

Business

Nigerians Speak As Petrol sells N1,500/litre

A visit to filling stations showed that motorists were purchasing the commodity for between N1,450 and N1,500 per litre, against the former price of N1,350.

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2026

OCHEFA

24 Views

NIGERIANS across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory – Abuja, are complaining bitterly as the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, is selling for as much as N1,500 per litre nationwide .

According to the Prices across states tracked by the PUNCH, the cost of the commodity has continued to rise nationwide, selling for as high as N1,500 in many states.

In Yobe State, residents reported that petrol was selling for between N1,500 and N1,520 per litre at some filling stations in Damaturu, the state capital.

Similarly, a tricycle rider in the state capital, Musa Ibrahim, said he buys the commodity for about N1,500 per litre at some Nigerian National Petroleum Company filling stations.

Also speaking, a civil servant, Lawan Garba, said some filling stations were selling petrol at an even higher price.

“I am buying petrol at N1,520 per litre in some petrol stations,” Garba said.

In Kano State, petrol was selling for between N1,460 and N1,500 per litre at most filling stations in the metropolis. The increase has forced some vehicle owners to park their vehicles, while commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as “yan’ adaidaita sahu”, have also increased their fares by about 50 per cent, depending on the distance.

The operators who used to charge N200 for a short distance now collect N300, while they charge between N500 and N700 for longer distances.In Sokoto State, petrol prices rose to between N1,465 and N1,500 per litre in the metropolis.

Checks by our correspondent showed that the product had risen from the previous price of N1,365 per litre.

At some filling stations, including AA Rano, Shafa and Total, petrol was sold for N1,465 per litre, while major marketers sold it for between N1,470 and N1,500 per litre.

In Borno State, a litre of petrol was selling for N1,500 at filling stations in Maiduguri, the state capital.

A motorist, Ishaku Curutsi, confirmed to our correspondent that he bought petrol from Matrix filling station for N1,500 per litre on Wednesday. “I bought it this morning, and a litre at Matrix cost 1,500,” he said.

In Taraba State, the price of petrol had risen to N1,500 per litre, with motorists and commuters reporting prices of between N1,500 and N1,700 per litre at some filling stations.

The development is expected to further increase the cost of transportation and movement of goods within the state.In Zamfara State, a litre of petrol was selling for N1,500 in Gusau, the state capital, and its environs.

A visit to filling stations showed that motorists were purchasing the commodity for between N1,450 and N1,500 per litre, against the former price of N1,350.

At Danmarina filling station, motorists were seen purchasing the commodity amid complaints about the increase. One of the motorists, who gave his name as Musa Idris, said the current price was putting pressure on consumers.

• Culled from the PUNCH