Legal Guide To Buying Legit Land In Lagos, Nigeria (2025)

Buying land in Lagos is one of the smartest investments in Nigeria — but it also comes with major legal risks. From fake owners to government-acquired land, many unsuspecting buyers have lost millions. That’s why you need this step-by-step legal guide to help you navigate the process and secure your land the right way.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or real estate investor, this guide will walk you through the legally required documents, land classifications, verification process, and common traps to avoid in Lagos State.

Step-by-Step Legal Process of Buying Land in Lagos

Step	Legal Action Required
1️⃣	Physical inspection of land with the seller or agent
2️⃣	Request land documents for verification
3️⃣	Engage a certified real estate lawyer
4️⃣	Conduct a land search at Lagos State Lands Bureau
5️⃣	Verify if land is free from government acquisition or dispute
6️⃣	Draft and sign a Deed of Assignment
7️⃣	Obtain Governor’s Consent to validate the transaction
8️⃣	Register your land title with the Lagos State Land Registry

Legal Tip: Always use a registered surveyor and lawyer to verify documents before making any payment.

Legal Documents Required to Buy Legit Land in Lagos

Document	Legal Importance
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)	Legal proof of land ownership issued by the government
Deed of Assignment	Transfers ownership from the seller to you legally
Survey Plan	Shows exact land location and helps check government status
Excision/Gazette	Proves the land is not under government acquisition
Governor’s Consent	Makes resale legal under the Land Use Act
Receipt of Payment	Acts as financial and legal proof of purchase

If the land lacks these documents, do not proceed — no matter how cheap it seems.

Understand Land Status Types in Lagos

Land Type	Legal Meaning
Free Land	Safe to buy — not under government acquisition
Gazetted Land	Officially released by government for individual ownership
Excision in Process	Risky — not yet approved or confirmed by government
Government Acquisition	Not for sale unless regularized — avoid without legal advice
Committed Land	Do not buy — already allocated for public use (e.g., schools, roads)

Lagos State Land Registry or Surveyor General’s Office can help check land status using coordinates.

Common Legal Mistakes Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake	Why It’s Risky
Paying without legal verification	You risk buying land under dispute or from fake owners
Using non-certified agents	They may show land they don’t legally control
Not conducting a land search	You may miss encumbrances, litigation, or government claims
Skipping Governor’s Consent	Your ownership may be invalid in court
Not registering your deed	You won’t have legal claim to the land without registration

Legal Fees & Charges to Expect in Lagos

Legal Task	Estimated Cost (2025)
Legal verification & deed	₦100,000 – ₦300,000+
Survey Plan	₦200,000 – ₦500,000
Governor’s Consent Application	₦250,000 – ₦500,000+
Registration at Land Registry	₦150,000 – ₦300,000

Always request receipts and ensure all documents are properly stamped and signed.

Key Real Estate Laws You Must Know

Land Use Act (1978)

All land in Lagos is vested in the Governor. Any transfer requires Governor’s Consent.

Lagos State Physical Planning Laws

Certain zones have restrictions (residential vs. commercial). Know your zoning code.

Tenure Law of Lagos State

Guides possession, tenancy, and disputes over property. Especially useful for resale.

Land Registration Act

Ensures all land transactions must be registered at the Lagos State Lands Registry.

Conclusion

Buying legit land in Lagos can be smooth and profitable — but only if you follow the legal process strictly. Always work with a trusted lawyer, verify every document, and never skip land searches or registration.

Lagos is full of both opportunities and traps. With this legal guide, you can invest confidently and protect your hard-earned money.