Before you pay for any plot, these are the documents and checks that protect your purchase and your peace of mind.
Buying land in Nigeria for the first time can feel daunting, largely because the risks of an unverified purchase are real and well documented. The good news is that a disciplined verification process removes almost all of that risk, and it doesn’t require a legal background to follow.
The starting point is always the title document itself. Look for a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), a Governor’s Consent, or a Deed of Assignment backed by a registered survey. Each of these has a distinct legal weight, and a reputable seller should be able to explain exactly which one applies to the plot you’re considering and why.
From there, the document should be verified directly with the relevant land registry or ministry of physical planning, rather than taken at face value. This confirms the land is not under litigation, has not already been sold to another buyer, and matches the boundaries described in the survey plan.
A physical site visit is just as important as the paperwork. Beacons should be visible and match the coordinates on the survey, and it’s worth asking neighbours or community leaders whether they recognise the seller as the legitimate owner. Genuine developers will encourage this kind of due diligence rather than discourage it.
Finally, always insist on a written contract of sale that spells out the payment schedule, the documents to be handed over at each stage, and the timeline for completing the transfer. At Ebenezer Stone Properties, every plot we sell comes with verifiable title and a documented paper trail, and our team is happy to walk prospective buyers through the verification process step by step before any money changes hands.
