Business

Due Diligence: How to Handle Property Disputes in Lagos by Dennis Isong

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or someone who inherited a family property, the nightmare of a property dispute can feel like a dark cloud hanging over your head.

Published

2 months ago

February 9, 2025

OCHEFA

Lagos, the bustling heart of Nigeria, is a city of dreams, opportunities, and, unfortunately, property disputes.

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the web of a property dispute in Lagos, you know how emotionally draining and financially crippling it can be.

The city’s real estate market is booming, but with that growth comes a surge in conflicts over land, buildings, and ownership rights.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or someone who inherited a family property, the nightmare of a property dispute can feel like a dark cloud hanging over your head.

But here’s the thing: with the right knowledge and approach, you can navigate these murky waters and come out on top. Let’s talk about how.

The Emotional Toll of Property Disputes

Imagine this: You’ve saved for years, maybe even decades, to buy a piece of land or a house in Lagos.

You’ve dreamed of building a home for your family or starting a business on that property. Then, out of nowhere, someone claims the land is theirs. Or perhaps you inherited a property from your parents, only to discover that distant relatives or even strangers are contesting your ownership.

The frustration, anger, and helplessness can be overwhelming.

Property disputes are not just about money or assets; they’re about your dreams, your security, and your peace of mind. In Lagos, where land is gold and space is limited, these disputes are all too common.

But why?

The answer lies in the complex nature of land ownership, poor documentation, and sometimes, outright fraud.

Why Property Disputes Happen in Lagos

1. Multiple Sales of the Same Property: This is one of the most common issues. Unscrupulous sellers or agents sell the same piece of land to multiple buyers. By the time you realize what’s happened, you’re already in a legal battle.

2. Inheritance Conflicts: Family disputes over inherited property are rampant. Siblings, cousins, and even distant relatives may lay claim to a property, leading to prolonged court cases.

3. Boundary Disputes: Lagos is densely populated, and boundaries between properties are often unclear. Disputes arise when neighbors encroach on each other’s land, intentionally or unintentionally.

4. Fraudulent Documents: Fake land titles, forged signatures, and doctored documents are tools used by fraudsters to swindle unsuspecting buyers.

5. Government Acquisition: Sometimes, the government acquires land for public use, but the information doesn’t reach the rightful owners, leading to confusion and disputes.

How to Protect Yourself: Due Diligence is Key

The best way to avoid property disputes is to do your due diligence before buying or inheriting any property. Due diligence is not just a fancy term; it’s your shield against fraud and conflict.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Verify the Seller’s Identity: Ensure the person selling the property is the rightful owner. Ask for valid identification and cross-check with the land registry.

2. Check the Land Title:

In Lagos, the most secure form of land ownership is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued by the government. If the property doesn’t have one, tread carefully. You can also check for a Governor’s Consent, which is required for the transfer of ownership.

3. Conduct a Search at the Land Registry:

This is crucial. A search will reveal the true owner of the property, any existing encumbrances, or pending litigation. Don’t skip this step, no matter how trustworthy the seller seems.

4. Inspect the Property Physically:

Visit the property and inspect it thoroughly. Look for signs of occupation, boundary marks, and any red flags. Talk to neighbors; they often have valuable information about the property’s history. .

5. Hire a Lawyer: A real estate lawyer can guide you through the process, review documents, and ensure everything is in order. Yes, it’s an extra cost, but it’s worth every penny to avoid future headaches.

What to Do If You’re Already in a Dispute If you’re already caught in a property dispute, don’t panic. While the process can be stressful, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Gather Your Documents: Collect all relevant documents, including your deed of assignment, receipts, and any correspondence with the seller or other parties. These will serve as evidence in your favor.

2. Engage a Competent Lawyer: A good lawyer is your best ally in a property dispute. They can help you understand your rights, file the necessary legal actions, and represent you in court if needed.

3. Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Court cases can drag on for years, draining your time and resources. Consider mediation or arbitration as a faster and less expensive way to resolve the dispute.

4. Stay Calm and Patient: Property disputes can be emotionally charged, but losing your temper won’t help.

Stay focused, follow your lawyer’s advice, and be patient. Justice may take time, but it’s worth fighting for.

Real-Life Stories: Lessons from the Trenches Let me share a story that hits close to home.

A friend of mine, let’s call her Ada, bought a piece of land in Lekki, one of Lagos’ most sought-after areas. She did everything right—or so she thought.

She verified the seller’s identity, checked the documents, and even paid for a survey plan. But a year later, while preparing to start construction, she was served with a court notice. Someone else was claiming ownership of the same land.

Ada was devastated. She had invested her life savings into that property. After months of legal battles, it turned out that the original seller had sold the land to multiple buyers. Ada eventually won the case, but it cost her time, money, and sleepless nights. Her story is a stark reminder of why due diligence is non-negotiable.

The Human Side of Property Disputes

Behind every property dispute is a human story—a family torn apart, a dream deferred, or a life savings lost. It’s easy to get caught up in the legalities and forget the emotional toll these conflicts take.

I’ve seen families stop speaking to each other over inherited property. I’ve met people who lost everything because they trusted the wrong person. And I’ve also seen the relief and joy of those who fought for their rights and won.

If you’re going through a property dispute, know that you’re not alone. Many have walked this path before you, and many will come after. What matters is how you handle it. Will you let it break you, or will you rise above it?

Lagos is a city of endless possibilities, but it’s also a city where you need to be vigilant. Property disputes can happen to anyone, but with due diligence, you can minimize the risks.

If you’re buying property, take your time, do your research, and seek professional help. If you’re already in a dispute, don’t lose hope.

Fight for what’s rightfully yours, but do it wisely. Remember, your property is more than just an asset; it’s a part of your story, your legacy, and your future.

Protect it with everything you’ve got. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Your dreams are worth fighting for.

So, the next time you hear about a property dispute in Lagos, don’t just see it as a news headline.

See it as a cautionary tale, a call to action, and a reminder that in this city, due diligence isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.

Related Topics:Featured Handling property dispute Property Disputes

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House Public Accounts Committee Recovers Additional $14 Million from Oil Companies

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2025

Charles Flames

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said on Saturday that it has successfully recovered an additional $14.2 million (N21.4 billion) from four oil and gas companies as part of its ongoing investigation into financial discrepancies in the sector.

This latest recovery follows an earlier announcement on March 16, 2025, of recoveries amounting to ₦28.7 billion ($19.24 million), bringing the total recovered so far to $33.44 million (₦50.1 billion).

In a statement by Akin Rotimi Jr, House Spokesperson, the breakdown of the latest recoveries is as follows:
✓ Platform Petroleum Ltd: $1.9 million (N2.9 billion)
✓Midwestern Oil and Gas Ltd: $1.578 million (N2.3 billion)
✓Universal Energy: $523,845 (N785.7 million)
✓Aradel Energy Ltd: $10.3 million (N15.5 billion)

Speaking on the recoveries, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, credited the successes recorded to the unwavering support and leadership of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON.

He noted that the Speaker’s firm commitment to legislative oversight and accountability has ensured that committees operate effectively, free from undue interference, and with a clear mandate to safeguard public resources.

“Under the leadership of Speaker Abbas, the House of Representatives has reinforced its commitment to fiscal transparency and good governance.

The independence granted to committees like ours has enabled us to carry out our mandate diligently, ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for.

This approach has been instrumental in our ability to recover these substantial sums, and we remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen financial accountability in Nigeria,” Rep. Salam stated.

In addition to the recovered funds, the Committee has issued a 20-day ultimatum for four companies to remit a total of $23.2 million (N34.8 billion).

Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in the enforcement of appropriate sanctions, including the public naming of defaulters in national newspapers.

The companies and their required payments are as follows:

Total Energies: $2 million within 7 days
Seplat Energies (SPDC): $6.036 million and N1.5 billion within 7 days
Aradel Energy Ltd: $12.1 million within 7 days
Network Exploration: $3.1 million within 7 days
Rep. Salam emphasised the Committee’s commitment to enforcing compliance, warning that companies that fail to meet their financial obligations will face the full weight of legislative oversight.
The Committee also expressed concern over several companies that have disregarded invitations to appear before it.
The following firms are now under heightened scrutiny and may face further actions if they continue to evade accountability:
Frontier Oil and Gas
Conoil Producing
Walter Smith Petrochemical
Bilton
Energia Ltd
Aiteo Petroleum Ltd
Pillar Oil Lt
Additionally, First E & P Oil Company has been directed to reconcile an outstanding balance of $90 million with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and is expected to appear before the Committee on April 16, 2025, to finalise the matter.
The actions of the Public Accounts Committee reflect the House of Representatives’ increasing resolve to ensure transparency, accountability, and financial discipline in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
Ongoing investigations are expected to uncover more discrepancies, with the Committee continuing its public hearings on the 2021 Auditor General’s report, which indicated that over ₦10 trillion in payments remain outstanding to the Federation Account from industry operators.
“The era of impunity and financial recklessness in the oil and gas sector is coming to an end.
We are determined to recover every kobo owed to the Nigerian people and ensure that public funds are managed with the highest level of integrity,” Rep. Salam reaffirmed.

Business

Dangote, Adenuga, Rabiu, Otedola remain on forbes Africa’s billionaires List

Published

3 days ago

March 30, 2025

Charles Flames

Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola, have emerged as the only Nigerians on the 2025 ‘Africa’s Billionaires List’ compiled by Forbes, which was released on Saturday.

Once again, Dangote topped the list for the 14th consecutive year, with an estimated net worth of $23.9 billion, up from $13.9 billion a year ago.

The significant jump in his fortune was primarily due to Forbes factoring in the value of his refinery.

The Dangote Group operates in diverse sectors, including cement, sugar, flour, salt, seasoning, pasta, beverages, real estate, and projects in oil & gas and fertiliser.

On the other hand, Adenuga, who ranked fifth on the list, had $6.8 billion in his portfolio during the period under review, while Rabiu was worth $5.1 billion.

Adenuga runs the Pan-African telecommunications company, Globacom, while Rabiu owns the BUA Group, with interests in cement, sugar, oil, and other sectors.

Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist Otedola emerged as the 16th richest person in Africa on the Forbes list, with his wealth surging by over 30 per cent in the last year.

In the newly released list, Forbes stated that Otedola’s wealth reached $1.5 billion during the period, making him one of the fastest-growing billionaires, second only to Johann Rupert of South Africa, whose fortune grew by 39 per cent.

A prominent Nigerian businessman, Otedola has established and led several companies across various sectors, with many notable enterprises associated with his name.

Checks revealed that some of these include Geregu Power Plc, the first electricity-generating company in Nigeria to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange in October 2022, where he serves as Chairman.

Additionally, he is the Chairman of First Holdco Plc, formerly FBN Holdings Plc, a financial holding company that serves as the parent company for a diversified group of financial services businesses, including commercial banking, merchant banking, capital markets, trusteeship, and insurance brokerage, operating across Africa.

A dedicated philanthropist, Otedola has been a significant supporter of Save the Children, donating billions of naira and earning a Vice President role in recognition of his efforts to improve the lives of children in Nigeria.

Save the Children is an organisation that works to support vulnerable children worldwide.

“Another billionaire whose fortune grew by more than 30 per cent was Femi Otedola of Nigeria ($1.5 billion), chairman of listed power generation firm Geregu Power Plc.

Shares of Geregu surged by approximately 40 per cent in the past year following a rise in revenue and profits,” the Forbes report stated.

The Forbes list tracks the wealth of African billionaires who reside in Africa or have their primary business there.

Net worths were calculated using stock prices and currency exchange rates as of the close of business on 7 March 2025.

Forbes noted that net worth changes were measured from its 2024 African billionaires list, published in January 2024. To value privately held businesses, Forbes starts with estimates of revenues or profits and applies prevailing price-to-sales or price-to-earnings ratios for comparable public companies.

Similarly, the report highlighted that the cumulative wealth of Africa’s billionaires surpassed $100 billion for the first time, as the continent’s 22 billionaires saw their combined fortunes rise to $105 billion, up from $82.4 billion and 20 billionaires last year.

South Africa had the highest number of billionaires this year, with seven, followed by Nigeria and Egypt, with four billionaires each.

Business

Reps pass bill to give foreign investors Nigerian citizenship

The proposed legislation titled , “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to include Citizenship by Investment as one of the classes of Citizenship in Nigeria, provide for the Acquisition of Nigerian Citizenship by Qualified Foreign Investors who meet Specified Investment Thresholds and for Related Matters (HB. 2059)” was sponsored by the, Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker and some other lawmakers.

Published

5 days ago

March 27, 2025

OhiBaba

The House of Representatives has passed a bill to give foreign investors Nigerian Citizenship for second reading.

Business Day reports that the bill Is among the constitutional amendment bills which the Green Chamber is considering.

In the explanatory memorandum of the Citizenship by Investment Bill, it seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap C23 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to introduce a new class of citizenship known as Citizenship by Investment.

The proposed alteration aims to attract foreign direct investment by granting Nigerian citizenship to individuals who invest in the Nigerian economy above a specified financial threshold or in strategic sectors critical to national development.