Buyer's guide
Due diligence & property titles in Nigeria
A plain-English guide to the documents you'll hear about, the warning signs to look for, and the checks to make before you commit funds — whether you're in Lagos or London.
Key property documents explained
Tap a document to see what to check.
5 red flags to watch for
Land under government acquisition or right-of-way
Plots under acquisition, road expansion or utility corridors can be lost. A charting search on the survey plan is the usual way to check.
Seller without the authority to sell
Family land sold without the family head, or an estate sold without letters of administration or probate, can later be challenged.
"Freehold" claims with no gazette or excision
Customary land described as "free" or "dry" should still be traced to a gazette or a recognised title.
Survey coordinates that don't check out
An uncharted or altered survey plan, or missing beacons on site, is a reason to pause.
Pressure to pay before inspection
Requests to send money urgently, to personal accounts, or before anyone has seen the property and documents are a serious warning sign.
How checks usually work
- 1
Look at the documents
Ask the seller which documents exist and request copies so they can be reviewed.
- 2
Search the records
A lawyer or surveyor can carry out searches at the relevant land registry and Surveyor-General's office.
- 3
Check on the ground
Someone visits the property to confirm it exists, matches the description and that boundaries and access are as described.
- 4
Get independent advice
Your own lawyer summarises the findings and advises on the transfer before any money is paid.
Owamwen can help arrange these checks with appropriate professionals — see Diaspora & Verification. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Owamwen does not certify title or guarantee ownership; always use an independent lawyer before paying.
Considering a property?
Tell us about it and the team will follow up about arranging checks before you commit funds. Sending this doesn't book or commit you to anything.