How to Avoid Land Scams in Nigeria

Common land scams

• One plot sold to many buyers. The same land is sold again and again.
• Government-acquired land. The seller sells land the government has taken or reserved.
• Fake or altered documents. Receipts, titles or survey plans that are not genuine.
• Sellers without the right to sell. Someone who is not the owner, or a family member selling without the family’s agreement.
• Pressure to pay quickly. “Price goes up tomorrow” or “another buyer is coming”.
• Disputes with local claimants who demand money after you buy.

How to protect yourself

1. Verify first, pay later. Follow our verification steps before you pay.
2. Visit the land yourself and bring a surveyor to check the beacons and boundaries.
3. Deal with the owner. Check their identity against the documents.
4. Use a lawyer for the search at the land registry and for the agreement.
5. Check the survey plan. Learn what it should show in understanding survey plans.
6. Pay by bank transfer to the named owner and keep every receipt. Avoid large cash payments.
7. Do not rush. A genuine seller will allow time for checks.