Property fraud remains one of the biggest risks facing diaspora Nigerians who want to invest in real estate back home. Stories of people paying for land that was already sold to someone else, or buying property with forged documents, are unfortunately common. The good news is that with proper due diligence, these risks can be significantly reduced.
Understanding Nigerian Property Documents
Before you can verify property documents, you need to understand what legitimate documents look like. The most important document is the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which is the government-issued title that confirms ownership rights. A C of O is issued by the state government and is the strongest form of title in Nigeria.
Other common documents include the Deed of Assignment, which transfers ownership from seller to buyer, the Survey Plan, which shows the exact boundaries of the property, and the Governor's Consent, which is required for any transfer of land with a C of O.
Some properties may have Excision documents, which confirm that communal land has been released for private ownership, or a Registered Conveyance, which is a deed registered at the land registry.
Step 1: Obtain Copies of All Documents
Before any verification, request clear copies of all property documents from the seller. This should include the C of O or other title document, survey plan, receipt of purchase from the original owner, and any previous deeds of assignment in the chain of ownership.
Be wary of sellers who are reluctant to provide documents or who claim that documents are 'being processed.' Legitimate sellers should have no problem providing copies for verification.
Step 2: Verify at the Land Registry
The most important verification is at the state Land Registry where the property is located. Each state maintains records of all registered properties, and you can conduct a search to confirm that the documents are genuine and that the property is not encumbered.
From abroad, you will need to engage a lawyer or agent in Nigeria to conduct this search on your behalf. The lawyer will submit a search application to the Land Registry, pay the required fees, and obtain an official search report confirming the status of the property.
In Lagos State, for example, the search can be conducted at the Lagos State Land Registry in Alausa. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks and costs between N50,000-100,000 depending on the property type.
Step 3: Verify the Survey Plan
The survey plan should be verified at the Office of the Surveyor General in the relevant state. This confirms that the survey was conducted by a licensed surveyor and that the coordinates match official records.
Your lawyer or agent can also conduct a physical inspection to ensure that the boundaries shown on the survey match the actual property on the ground. This is crucial because some fraudsters use survey plans from different properties.
Step 4: Conduct a Physical Inspection
Never buy property in Nigeria without a physical inspection. If you cannot travel, engage a trusted representative to visit the property, take photographs and videos, speak with neighbours about the property's history, and confirm that no one else is claiming ownership.
Many property disputes arise because buyers relied solely on documents without visiting the actual location. A physical inspection can reveal issues that documents cannot, such as ongoing construction by another party or community disputes over the land.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if the seller is pushing for quick payment without allowing time for verification, if the price is significantly below market value, if the seller cannot explain the full chain of ownership, if there are inconsistencies between documents, or if the seller is reluctant to meet in person or provide identification.
Engaging Professional Help
For diaspora Nigerians, working with a reputable law firm is essential. A good property lawyer will conduct all necessary searches, review the documents for authenticity, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that the transaction is properly documented.
Look for lawyers who specialise in property transactions and who have experience working with diaspora clients. Ask for references and verify their credentials with the Nigerian Bar Association.
The cost of professional verification is a small price to pay compared to the potential loss from a fraudulent transaction. Invest in proper due diligence before committing your money.
Sources: Lagos State Land Registry, Nigerian Bar Association, Resolution Law Firm