Business
Five Hidden Dangers of Buying Inherited Land in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

Not every land deal in Nigeria is as straightforward as it looks.
In fact, one of the trickiest types of property transactions you can ever get involved in is buying inherited land.
It often comes with stories, long family histories, and sometimes, unexpected headaches.
While the price may be attractive and the land location desirable, buyers need to slow down and look deeper.
Understanding the 5 Hidden Dangers of Buying Inherited Land in Nigeria can save you from emotional stress, wasted money, and years of court battles.
Let’s take the case of Chidi, a businessman who returned from abroad with the dream of building his retirement home in Lagos.
A relative introduced him to a family selling their dead father’s land.
The documents looked convincing, the price was lower than the market rate, and everything seemed fine—until a year later when one of the late owner’s children sued him, claiming the land was sold without his consent.
What Chidi thought was a dream turned into a nightmare of endless court sessions.
Sadly, his story is not uncommon.This is why we need to unpack the hidden dangers behind inherited land transactions.
1. Family Disputes and Unresolved Ownership
One of the biggest dangers of buying inherited land is family disagreement.
In many Nigerian families, land is passed down without clear documentation of who truly owns what. Some children may feel entitled, while others may want to sell.
The problem arises when not all family members agree.Imagine buying a piece of land from three siblings only to discover later that their fourth brother, who lives abroad, never approved of the sale.
That brother can return anytime and challenge the transaction in court. Until the matter is resolved legally, the land remains under dispute, and your investment stays trapped.
This is why it’s important to confirm that all rightful heirs have agreed in writing before any transaction takes place.
2. Lack of Proper Documentation
Inherited land often lacks complete or updated documentation. Many times, the original owner may have bought the land decades ago without processing proper title documents like a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, or even a Deed of Assignment.
As the land passes down to the children, the paperwork becomes even more confusing.
Some families rely only on informal documents, such as old receipts or local chiefs’ notes, which are not recognized in court.
If you buy such land, you may spend years chasing documents or, worse still, discover that the land was never legally theirs to sell.
Without valid documentation, ownership becomes shaky, and as a buyer, your claim over the land may not stand when challenged.
3. Multiple Sales of the Same Land
This is a common trap with inherited property. Because different family members may see themselves as “owners,” they sometimes sell the same land to multiple buyers.
One sibling may sell to you today, another may sell the same plot to someone else tomorrow, and yet another may use it as collateral for a loan.
When this happens, the buyer with the strongest legal proof wins. If you’re unlucky, you may lose both the land and the money you invested.
In fact, many land disputes in Nigerian courts stem from this exact scenario.
To protect yourself, you need to investigate carefully, confirm the true heirs, and insist on a family agreement that is signed, stamped, and legally backed.
4. Pending Legal Cases or Government Encumbrances
Another hidden danger of buying inherited land in Nigeria is the possibility of hidden lawsuits or government interests. Sometimes, the land may already be under dispute in court between family members.
Other times, the government may have acquired the land for future development, but the family continues selling to unsuspecting buyers.
If you unknowingly buy such land, you automatically inherit the legal problems that come with it.
Court cases can drag for years, draining you financially and emotionally. Worse still, if the government has plans for the land, you may lose everything without compensation.
This is why land verification through proper search at the land registry and even community checks is not optional—it is essential.
5. Emotional Attachments and Delays
Again, many families selling inherited land struggle with emotional attachments. Even after they agree to sell, one family member may suddenly change their mind or refuse to sign the final documents.
Others may delay the process, hoping to renegotiate or back out.This often frustrates buyers who have already invested time and money into the deal.
Unlike buying land from a registered estate company, transactions involving inherited property tend to drag on unnecessarily, causing you to lose both opportunities and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying land in Nigeria can be one of the smartest investments you ever make, but it must be done with caution.
When it comes to inherited property, the risks are higher than most people imagine.
From family disputes and lack of documents to multiple sales and hidden court cases, these are the five Hidden Dangers of Buying Inherited Land in Nigeria that every buyer must be aware of.
If you ever consider buying such land, work with professionals—lawyers, surveyors, and trusted realtors who understand the system.
Cutting corners may look cheaper today, but it could cost you everything tomorrow.
And remember, you don’t have to walk this path alone.
• I’m Dennis Isong, a top realtor in Lagos. I help Nigerians in the diaspora own property in Lagos, stress-free.
If you have questions about safe property investment or need guidance on avoiding land scams, call or WhatsApp me at +2348164741041.
Business
PENGASSAN – Dangote Rift: A needless attack on private enterprise

The Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has described the rift between Dangote Refinery and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as unfortunate, and a needless attack on private enterprise.
He noted that the strike had far-reaching implications on residents and businesses, as factories suffered cuts in production schedules, with a hike in transportation fare.
Fielding questions from reporters at MAN House, yesterday, while announcing the association’s coming Annual General Meeting (AGM), he revealed that imported products, which were not suffering disruption, were likely to fill the gap and if the rift rears its head again, it would affect daily workers and people in the logistics value chain that rely on the products made in those factories.
Meanwhile, PENGASSAN has said it decided to suspend its two-day strike to protect the jobs of its members in Dangote Refinery.The President, Festus Osifo, explained that the union was unsatisfied with the posting of about 800 sacked staff to Dangote’s subsidiaries to prevent job loss.
Business
FG Spends $2.86bn on External Debts Servicing – CBN
By August 2025, debt service climbed to $302.3m, which was $22.35m or 8 per cent higher than the $279.95m of August 2024.

The Federal Government spent a total of $2.86 billion to service external debt in the first eight months of 2025.
This was disclosed in the international payment data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The figure shows that external debts accounted for 69.1 percent of the country’s total foreign payments of $4.14 billion in the period.
In the same eight-month stretch of 2024, debt service stood at $3.06 billion, representing 70.7 percent of total foreign payments of $4.33 billion.
The figures show that while the absolute value of debt service fell by $198m between 2024 and 2025.
The share of debt in overall foreign payments has remained persistently high, with about seven out of every ten dollars leaving the country used to meet debt obligations.
The monthly breakdown highlights the volatility of Nigeria’s repayment schedule:
In January 2025, $540.67m was spent compared with $560.52m in January 2024, a fall of $19.85m or 3.5 per cent.
February 2025 recorded $276.73m, slightly below the $283.22m in February 2024, down by $6.49m or 2.3 per cent.March 2025 surged to $632.36m against $276.17m in March 2024, an increase of $356.19m or 129 per cent.
In April 2025, payments reached $557.79m, which was $342.59m or 159 per cent higher than the $215.20m of April 2024.
May 2025 stood at $230.92m, sharply lower than the $854.37m in May 2024, a drop of $623.45m or 73 per cent.
June 2025 rose to $143.39m compared with $50.82m in June 2024, a rise of $92.57m or 182 per cent.
July 2025 fell to $179.95m, down by $362.55m or 66.8 per cent from $542.5m in July 2024.
By August 2025, debt service climbed to $302.3m, which was $22.35m or 8 per cent higher than the $279.95m of August 2024.
Business
ECOWAS Bank okays $308.63m for Nigeria, Guinea
The bank gave the approval during its 93rd Ordinary Session convened at the it’s headquarters in Lomé, the Togolese capital.

ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), has approved $308.631 million for the implementation of various projects in Taraba State, Nigeria, and a $40 million credit line for Vista Bank, Guinea, to bolster trade-related activities, including import-export operations and commercial value chains.
The bank gave the approval during its 93rd Ordinary Session convened at the it’s headquarters in Lomé, the Togolese capital.
President and Chairman of Board of Directors of the bank, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, said the newly approved financing would advance strategic public and private sector initiatives, aligned with EBID’s mandate to promote sustainable development throughout the Economic Community of West African States by strengthening regional integration and fostering economic diversification.
The approved facilities include the $98.18 for a 50 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Taraba State, Nigeria, , which will augment the supply of reliable, clean electricity to spur inclusive economic development, alleviate energy poverty, and improve environmental sustainability.
Anticipated benefits include direct electricity access for roughly 390,000 individuals, enhanced power reliability for at least 200 public institutions, the creation of 400 direct jobs during construction, and approximately 50 permanent operational roles.
The bank noted that an estimated 1,200–1,500 indirect jobs were expected to emerge across supply chains, maintenance services,and small businesses.
Another facility is the $79.219 million modern rice processing complex and 10,000-hectare irrigated rice production unit also in Taraba State.
Also included is the $91.232 million facility for Taraba State Industrial Park, an initiative conceived to accelerate local industrialisation and economic diversification through the establishment of a modern, integrated industrial ecosystem.
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