The Realities of Buying Property in Nigeria
Acquiring real estate is often the single largest financial transaction in an individual's lifetime. Unfortunately, uninformed buyers frequently fall prey to double allocations, unregistered family titles, or properties subject to pending government road expansion acquisitions.
The 7-Point AGS Due Diligence Protocol
- Chart the Coordinates on a Registered Survey Plan: Engage a licensed surveyor to verify the Beacon numbers against the State Ministry of Lands master plan to confirm the land is free from committed government acquisition.
- Execute a State Lands Registry Search: Confirm the legitimate registered holder and ensure there are no encumbrances, bank debentures, or court injunctions attached to the title deed.
- Review the Root of Title: Verify the unbroken chain of custody through original Deeds of Assignment, Probate Letters of Administration, or official Gazette publications.
- Physical Site Inspection: Conduct physical ground checks to observe drainage topography, access roads, boundary beacons, and neighborhood security.
- Community & Family Title Verification: For unregistered traditional land (Omo-Onile), confirm authorized family signatories and village head confirmations.
- Obtain Governor's Consent: Perfect your transaction with the State Bureau of Lands to ensure your ownership is recognized in perpetuity.
- Utilize Escrow Protections: Never wire complete purchase consideration until document physical handover and key handover are executed.