Acquiring Landed Property in Lagos: Benefits, Risks, and Legal Precautions

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, is one of the most attractive real estate destinations in West Africa. With its growing population, rising demand for housing, and expanding infrastructure, owning land in Lagos is more than just an investment—it is a gateway to financial security, prestige, and generational wealth.

Yet, for all its promise, acquiring landed property in Lagos comes with serious risks. From fraudulent documentation and family land disputes to government acquisition and “Omo Onile” complications, countless buyers have lost their life savings because they failed to take the necessary legal precautions.

At Ace & Vanguard Legal Practitioners, our mission is to guide investors, families, and businesses through the legal maze of land acquisition. This article explores the benefits, risks, and essential precautions you must know before buying land in Lagos.

Benefits of Owning Land in Lagos

• High Return on Investment: Lagos property values consistently appreciate due to urban expansion and demand. A plot acquired today could multiply in value within a few years.
• Economic Security: Land remains one of the most stable investments in Nigeria, shielding owners from inflation and economic shocks.
• Opportunities for Development: Whether for residential housing, commercial complexes, or industrial use, Lagos offers limitless development opportunities with consistent income potential.
• Legacy and Prestige: Owning land in Lagos carries social prestige and provides a tangible legacy for generations to come.

Common Problems in Land Acquisition

While the benefits are compelling, many buyers face devastating challenges when proper precautions are ignored. Some of the most common issues include:

• Fraudulent Documentation: Unscrupulous sellers often present fake title documents or claim ownership they do not legally possess.
• Unclear Ownership: Buyers risk purchasing land from someone who has no legal right to sell, leading to protracted disputes.
• Family Land Conflicts: In many communities, family lands can only be sold with the consent of principal family members. Where this is ignored, disputes arise.
• Land Grabbing: Illegal occupation or forceful entry into property, despite laws prohibiting it, remains rampant.
• Unverified Titles: Many lands are not properly registered, while some are under government acquisition or encumbrances.
• Rushed Transactions: Impatience often leads buyers to overlook due diligence, making them vulnerable to scams.

The “Omo Onile” Factor

One of the most complex challenges in Lagos real estate involves Omo Onile—a Yoruba term meaning “landowner.” These are families or descendants with customary titles to land before the enactment of the Land Use Act of 1978.

While many Lagosians acquire property from Omo Onile, the risks are considerable:

• Multiple Sales of the Same Land: Families often sell the same parcel to multiple buyers, resulting in litigation.
• Hidden Disputes: Omo Onile lands are notorious for disputes, including family disagreements, resale of another person’s land, or sales of government-acquired land.
• Unending Fees: Purchasers are frequently burdened with endless “fees” such as signing fees, foundation fees, roofing fees, drainage fees, electricity fees, and more.
• Encroachment Risks: Payment of all levies does not guarantee safety. Without vigilance, buyers can lose possession to trespassers or land grabbers.

For these reasons, acquiring Omo Onile land is considered a high-risk venture that requires extra caution, documentation, and legal oversight.

Legal Framework: The Land Use Act 1978

The Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 revolutionized land ownership by vesting all land in state governors, to be held in trust for the people. It aimed to:

• Reduce unequal access to land resources.
• Make land more affordable for industrial estates and agriculture.
• Regularize customary ownership by bringing it under government control.

In practice, however, the Act also means that every land transaction must align with government approval processes, such as obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent.

Legal Precautions to Take Before Buying Land

To avoid falling victim to fraud or disputes, prospective buyers must take the following precautions:

• Hire a Property Lawyer: Engaging an experienced real estate lawyer is non-negotiable. Your lawyer will protect your interests, conduct searches, and ensure documentation is valid.
• Conduct Due Diligence: A proper land search at the Lagos State Land Registry confirms whether the land has a valid title and whether it is subject to encumbrances.
• Verify Ownership: Always confirm the seller’s identity and proof of ownership. If the land is family-owned, ensure all principal members sign the sale agreement.
• Physical Inspection: Inspect the land personally. Verify the boundaries, size, and ensure the survey plan matches the actual land.
• Check for Government Acquisition: Confirm that the land is free from government acquisition or restrictions before committing funds.
• Insist on Proper Documentation: Essential documents include:
  • Survey Plan
  • Purchase Receipt
  • Contract of Sale
  • Deed of Assignment
  • Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent
• Post-Purchase Steps:
  • Register your Deed of Assignment and survey plan in your name.
  • Take immediate possession by fencing or erecting structures.
  • Process the Governor’s Consent without delay.
• Avoid Cash Transactions: Use bank transfers or traceable payment methods to maintain an official record of the transaction.

Expert Perspective

“The Land Use Act was originally designed to democratize access to land and reduce acquisition costs. However, in Lagos, the reality has evolved into a maze of disputes, fraudulent dealings, and illegal practices. Buyers must remain vigilant, conduct thorough due diligence, and engage trusted professionals at every stage of the transaction.”

Conclusion

Acquiring landed property in Lagos is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. It secures your financial future, provides generational wealth, and places you at the heart of Nigeria’s economic capital.

But the risks are equally high. Fraud, family disputes, land grabbing, and government restrictions make it dangerous to proceed without expert guidance.

At Ace & Vanguard Legal Practitioners, we specialize in Property Law, Title Verification, Real Estate Transactions, and Dispute Resolution. We help our clients avoid costly mistakes by ensuring their property purchases are legal, secure, and future-proof.

Protect your investment—partner with us for a seamless and legally sound property acquisition journey in Lagos.