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Buying Land in Lagos: Legal Considerations Every Investor Must Know by Dennis Isong

Additionally, visit the site yourself. Don’t rely on Google Maps or the seller’s description. Go there, walk the land, and make sure it matches what you’ve been told.

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Lagos is the city of dreams, hustle, and endless opportunities.

It’s a place where fortunes are made, where the skyline is constantly changing, and where the promise of a better future lures thousands of people every day.

But beneath the glitz and glamour of Nigeria’s commercial capital lies a complex, often treacherous landscape—especially when it comes to buying land.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of Lagos, whether to build your dream home, start a business, or simply as an investment, you need to tread carefully.

The stories of heartbreak, betrayal, and financial ruin are as common as the tales of success. Let me tell you, buying land in Lagos is not for the faint-hearted. But with the right knowledge, you can avoid the pitfalls and make a smart, secure investment.  

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and finally have enough to buy a plot of land in Lagos.

You envision building a home where your family will thrive or developing a property that will generate passive income for years to come. You’ve seen the ads—prime locations, affordable prices, and promises of quick returns.

It all sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But here’s the harsh reality: not all that glitters is gold. Lagos is notorious for land disputes, fraudulent sellers, and bureaucratic nightmares.

I’ve heard too many stories of people who paid for land only to discover that it belonged to someone else, or worse, that it was part of a government acquisition.  

Take the story of Ada, a single mother who saved for years to buy a plot of land in Lekki.

She was thrilled when she found what seemed like the perfect deal. The seller was charming, the paperwork looked legit, and the price was within her budget.

She paid in full, only to find out months later that the land was under dispute between two families. She spent years in court, draining her savings and losing sleep over what was supposed to be her golden ticket to financial security.

Ada’s story is not unique. It’s a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of doing your due diligence before buying land in Lagos.

What You Need to Know

Buying land in Lagos is not as simple as handing over cash and getting a receipt. There are legal considerations that every investor must be aware of. Ignoring these can lead to costly mistakes.

Here are the key legal aspects you need to consider:   1. Verify the Title Documents  

The first step in any land transaction is to verify the title documents.

In Lagos, the most secure form of land ownership is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued by the state government.

This document proves that the government has allocated the land to the owner and grants them the right to use it. However, not all lands have a C of O. Some may have a Governor’s Consent, Deed of Assignment, or other forms of documentation.  

The important thing is to ensure that the documents are genuine and that the seller has the legal right to sell the land. This is where many people get into trouble.

They assume that because the seller has a piece of paper, everything is fine. But in Lagos, fake documents are rampant. Always engage a lawyer to conduct a thorough search at the Land Registry to confirm the authenticity of the documents and ensure there are no encumbrances on the land.  

2. Check for Government Acquisition   One of the biggest risks when buying land in Lagos is purchasing a property that has been acquired by the government for public use.

This is more common than you might think, especially in areas like Lekki, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe, where large-scale infrastructure projects are underway. If the land is under government acquisition, you could lose it without compensation, no matter how much you’ve paid.  

To avoid this, your lawyer should conduct a search at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to confirm whether the land is free from government acquisition.

This step is non-negotiable. Don’t let anyone convince you to skip it, no matter how trustworthy they seem.  

3. Survey and Land Verification  

Before you buy any land, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. This means conducting a survey to confirm the size, location, and boundaries of the property. A survey plan prepared by a licensed surveyor will give you a clear picture of the land and help you avoid disputes with neighbors or other claimants.  

Additionally, visit the site yourself. Don’t rely on Google Maps or the seller’s description. Go there, walk the land, and make sure it matches what you’ve been told.

I’ve heard stories of people who bought land only to discover that it was in the middle of a swamp or already occupied by squatters. Don’t let that be you.

  4. Engage a Competent Lawyer

  I cannot stress this enough: do not try to navigate the land-buying process on your own. The legal complexities are too great, and the risks are too high.

A competent lawyer will guide you through the process, conduct the necessary searches, and ensure that all the paperwork is in order. They will also help you draft a solid contract that protects your interests.  

Yes, legal fees can be expensive, but they are a small price to pay for peace of mind. Think of it as an insurance policy against fraud and future disputes. As the saying goes, “If you think hiring a professional is expensive, try hiring an amateur.”  

5. Beware of Omo-Onile (Landowners)  

In Lagos, the term “Omo-Onile” refers to the original landowners or their descendants. These individuals often demand fees from buyers, claiming it’s their right as the original owners of the land. While some of these claims may be legitimate, many are not. Some Omo-Onile are notorious for extorting money from buyers and causing trouble during construction.  

To avoid this, make sure you understand the history of the land and any agreements the seller has with the Omo-Onile. Your lawyer can help you navigate this delicate issue and ensure that all necessary payments have been made.  

The Emotional Toll of Land Disputes

Buying land is not just a financial transaction; it’s an emotional journey.

For many people, it represents hope, stability, and a brighter future.

When things go wrong, the emotional toll can be devastating. Imagine the frustration of watching your dream property slip through your fingers because of a legal technicality.

Or the heartbreak of realizing that the land you’ve invested in is embroiled in a dispute that could take years to resolve.  

I’ve seen families torn apart by land disputes, friendships ruined, and lives upended. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the dreams that are shattered along the way.

That’s why it’s so important to get it right from the start. Don’t let impatience or excitement cloud your judgment. Take the time to do things properly, and you’ll save yourself a world of pain.

The Rewards of a Smart Investment Despite the challenges, buying land in Lagos can be one of the best investments you’ll ever make. The city is growing at an unprecedented rate, and land values are skyrocketing.

If you do your due diligence and follow the legal process, you could secure a valuable asset that will be appreciated over time.   I know people who bought land in Lekki 10 years ago for a fraction of what it’s worth today.

They’ve built homes, started businesses, and created a legacy for their families. With the right approach, you can do the same. But remember, success in real estate is not just about buying land; it’s about buying the *right* land.  

Buying land in Lagos is a journey filled with both opportunities and risks. It’s a test of your patience, diligence, and resilience. But with the right knowledge and guidance, you can navigate the complexities and come out on top.

Don’t let the horror stories scare you away. Instead, let them inspire you to be smarter, more cautious, and more determined.  

Your dream of owning a piece of Lagos is within reach. Take the time to do it right, and you’ll be rewarded with an investment that will stand the test of time.

Remember, the city may be tough, but so are you. And with the right legal considerations in place, you can turn your dream into a reality.  

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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FG collected N6.9 billion mining fees across Nigeria in Q1 2025 – Dele Alake

Alake disclosed this via his official X page on Monday.

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced that in Q1 2025, the federal government collected N6,957,826,200 in mining fees across Nigeria.

Alake disclosed this via his official X page on Monday.

“I am pleased to share some exciting developments in the mining sector; in the first quarter of this year, the Federal Government collected an impressive N6,957,826,200 in mining fees and registered 118 new private mineral buying centers,” he stated.

Source: Nairametrics.

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The Untapped Wealth in Inherited Family Lands: Turning Ancestral Property into Profitable Real Estate Investments in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

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In Nigeria, we often hear things like: “That land in the village belongs to my grandfather.”

“Our family land has been there since I was a child.” “We just leave it there. Nobody touches it.

“What if I told you that the land you inherited from your father, grandfather, or even great-grandmother might just be sitting on gold — not literal gold, but real estate potential that could start making you money today?

Let’s break it down.

1. The Emotional vs Economic Value of Inherited Land

Many families in Nigeria attach deep emotional and cultural value to ancestral land.

It’s a symbol of roots, heritage, and continuity. But while emotions are valid, leaving valuable property to gather bush and termites does not honor the legacy — it stagnates it.

Ancestral land should not just be a memory bank; it should be a financial engine.

2. Common Myths That Keep Family Lands Idle

Let’s address the biggest myths: “It’s just bush, what can I do with it?” That bush is someone’s dream site for a school, farm, event center, or warehouse.

“We don’t want to sell our heritage.” Who says you must sell it? You can lease, rent, or build and still retain ownership.

“There’s a land dispute in the family.”

Then resolve it. Land conflict delays wealth. Engage a legal mediator and document ownership properly.

“It’s in the village, nobody will rent there.” These days, villages are turning into towns. Many urban workers are relocating to semi-rural areas because of cost and quiet.

People now work in the city and sleep in the village.

3. Real Possibilities:

What You Can Do With Inherited Land

Let’s talk about how to transform that “useless” land into profit:a) Agribusiness Lease

If you don’t have money to farm it yourself, lease the land to an agro-entrepreneur. Nigeria’s food needs are rising, and farmland is gold.b)

Event Center or Open Space Rental

Got family land with space? Flatten it, clear it, fence it, and start renting it out for weddings, parties, and church crusades.

Rural areas love open-air events.c)

Build Low-Cost Housing for Rent

Build a few 1-bedroom bungalows or mini-flats.

People are moving to outskirts like Ikorodu, Mowe, and Ifo. Affordable housing is in demand. d )

Warehouse or Storage Facilities

Urban traders need warehouse space in cheaper locations. Rural lands close to main roads are perfect for this.e)

Instead of leaving the land idle and arguing over it during Christmas family meetings, why not take charge and begin something that creates cash flow?

Partner with Developers

You bring the land, they bring the money. A good joint venture agreement can turn idle land into profit-yielding property while you still retain your rights.

4. Legal Steps You Must Not Ignore Before you do anything, please make sure of the following:

Proper Documentation: Make sure the land has a Deed of Assignment, survey plan, and preferably a Certificate of Occupancy or Governor’s Consent if within a government-acquired zone.

Family Agreement:

If it’s a family land, gather everyone and get a written agreement to avoid “wahala” later.

Registered Company (Optional): Consider registering a business to manage the land, especially if you’re building rentals or leasing. Get a Lawyer: Never cut corners.

A good property lawyer will save you stress, especially for joint ventures or leasing contracts.

5. True-Life Example: From Bush to Blessing.

Mr Tunde inherited a 2-acre land in Ilaro, Ogun State. For 10 years, it was just a yam farm.

In 2022, he cleared it, fenced it with blocks, built a borehole, and put plastic chairs under canopies. He started renting it out as an event ground. Today, every Owambe weekend earns him 100k-200k. All from “just family land.” Imagine that.

6. From Liability to Legacy

Family lands can move from being a burden to being a blessing.

Instead of leaving the land idle and arguing over it during Christmas family meetings, why not take charge and begin something that creates cash flow?

Think of it this way: Instead of telling your children, “This land belongs to your grandfather,”

You can say: “This property feeds our family today, and will feed yours tomorrow.”

7. Final Thoughts

It’s time to change our mindset. Not all real estate investment starts with buying new land. Sometimes, the land has already been given to you — free of charge.

The true investment is in your vision.Don’t wait till that land becomes an illegal dump site or is taken over by “omo onile” drama.

Begin today. Inspect it. Clear it. Value it. Use it. Your next real estate breakthrough might be hiding in your father’s backyard.

And if you ever need someone to help you inspect, plan, or connect you to builders, surveyors, or developers… you know who to call — Me, the real estate preacher with a sprinkle of bush-to-business miracles!

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CBN warns BDCs, banks to tighten compliance on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism regulations

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned licenced Bureau De Change Operators and financial institutions in the country against violating its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework.

The apex bank issued this warning in a circular signed by its director of compliance department, Amonia Opusunju on Thursday.

CBN vowed to impose sanctions on BDC operators who failed to adhere to its regulatory framework.

“BDC operators are reminded that they are required to fully comply with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureau de Change Operators in Nigeria, 2024,” CBN said.

“Any other relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines issued by the CBN and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

“All BDCs are advised to ensure that their operations, staff training, transaction monitoring, and customer onboarding procedures are always fully compliant with applicable requirements,” the apex bank said.

Similarly, CBN also urged all financial institutions in Nigeria to tighten compliance with both domestic and international sanction lists, including the United Nations Consolidated Sanctions List and the Nigerian Sanctions List, in line with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and others.

“Financial institutions are required to maintain a robust and dynamic sanctions compliance framework that enables them to identify and respond promptly to updates or changes across all applicable sanctions lists; prevent the use of their systems and platforms for transactions involving designated individuals or entities; conduct real-time screening of customers, transactions, and beneficial owners; and file appropriate reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and notify the CBN, where necessary,” the circular partly reads.

Recall that on February 27, 2024, the financial regulator approved the sale of foreign exchange (FX) to BDC operators, reversing its decision to halt FX sales to the BDCs in 2021.

Meanwhile, on February 6, 2025, the apex bank introduced new regulations limiting BDC operators to purchasing a maximum of $25,000 per week from a single bank.

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