Buying land in Nigeria can be one of the smartest investments you ever make, or one of the costliest mistakes. The difference often comes down to the questions you ask before any money changes hands. Here are the ones that matter most.

1. Who legally owns this land and can they prove it? The seller must be able to present verifiable title documents, whether a Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, or a registered Survey Plan. A legitimate seller will allow you to sight original documents, not just photocopies. Anything less is a red flag.

2. Has a search been conducted at the Land Registry? A formal title search at the state Land Registry confirms whether the property is registered and whether any encumbrances such as mortgages, court actions, or government acquisition exist against it. This is non-negotiable.

3. Is the land under any government acquisition or gazette? Confirming with the Surveyor-General’s Office ensures the land is not under government acquisition or reserved for public use. Many buyers have lost land and money because this step was skipped.

4. For family land, do all relevant family members consent to the sale? Family lands are frequently sold without the consent of all members, which can trigger disputes long after you have paid and taken possession. Insist on documented family consent.

5. Has the Governor’s Consent been obtained or is it obtainable? Under the Land Use Act of 1978, any transfer of interest in land requires the consent of the Governor to be valid. A transaction without it can be declared null and void.

6. Is there a lawyer involved on your side? Not the seller’s lawyer. Yours. Independent legal representation is what stands between you and a fraudulent transaction.

Buy land with documents, not with trust alone.