Buying land in Nigeria can be a great investment—but only if the title is genuine. Many buyers lose money because they fail to properly verify land documents before payment.
This guide explains how to verify land titles in Nigeria, the documents to look out for, and the government offices involved.
Why Land Title Verification Is Important
Verifying land titles helps you:
- Confirm the true ownership of the land
- Ensure the land is not under government acquisition
- Avoid disputes, demolitions, or loss of funds
- Protect your investment legally
Never rely on verbal claims or online pictures alone.
Common Land Titles in Nigeria
Before verification, know what document you’re dealing with:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Governor’s Consent
- Gazette
- Deed of Assignment
- Excision
- Registered Survey Plan
Each title requires proper confirmation.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify Land Titles in Nigeria
- Request the Survey Plan
Ask the seller or agent for the survey plan of the land.
Ensure it includes:
- Survey number
- Beacon numbers
- Coordinates
- Surveyor’s name and license number
This document is essential for government checks.
- Verify the Survey at the Surveyor-General’s Office
Visit the State Surveyor-General’s Office (for Lagos: Alausa, Ikeja).
What they check:
- If the land falls under government acquisition
- If it is freehold, excised, or committed
Outcome:
- ✔ Free land → Safe to proceed
- ⚠ Committed land → Risky / avoid
- Conduct a Search at the Land Registry
Go to the State Land Registry where the land is located.
You will verify:
- Registered owner’s name
- Title authenticity
- Encumbrances or disputes
- Whether consent has been granted
This step confirms if the document is legally recognized.
- Verify Gazette or Excision (If Applicable)
If the land claims to be excised or gazetted:
- Request the gazette number
- Confirm it at the Land Registry or Ministry of Lands
Ensure:
- The land falls within the excised portion
- The excision covers the exact location, not just the community
- Confirm Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
For lands with C of O:
- Confirm issuance date
- Confirm the holder’s name
- Check if it’s registered
A C of O alone is not enough if it’s fake or unregistered.
- Engage a Property Lawyer or Professional Firm
For safety:
- Use a real estate firm
- Or a property lawyer experienced in land matters
This reduces risk and saves money long-term.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
- Paying before verification
- Trusting family land claims
- Assuming excision = automatic ownership
- Skipping registry searches
- Avoiding professional help to “save money”
Final Advice
Land verification is not optional—it’s essential.
If you are unsure, always verify before payment.
A cheap land with bad title can become a total loss.
Need Help Verifying Land Titles?
At Gloiyk Properties & Investments, we:
- Verify titles before listing
- Work with registered surveyors
- Protect buyers from risky transactions
📞 Contact us for professional guidance.