Purchasing land in Nigeria, especially in fast-growing areas like Lagos and Epe, is one of the smartest investment decisions you can make. However, many unsuspecting buyers have been defrauded because they didn’t understand land titles—the single most important factor that determines legal ownership of land.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this blog will help you confidently navigate land titles in Nigeria, avoid costly mistakes, and secure your investment.

📖 Want to understand how to start investing even with little capital? Learn how to start your property journey with just N3m or N12m

✅ What is a Land Title?

A land title is an official document that proves ownership or legal right to use a piece of land. It defines who owns the land and the status of that land in the eyes of the government. Without a proper title, you could end up buying land that doesn’t belong to the seller or land that is under government acquisition.

Think of a land title as the “birth certificate” or “passport” of the land—without it, ownership is highly questionable.

🧠 Understand the legal aspects of real estate in Nigeria

📜 Common Land Titles in Lagos and Nigeria

Here are the most common types of land titles you’ll encounter:

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
• Issued by: State Government
• Meaning: The highest form of land ownership for 99 years under Nigerian law.
• Security: Very strong title.

2. Gazette
• Issued by: State Government
• Meaning: Government officially releases land to communities.
• Security: Safe if genuine. Can lead to processing for C of O.

3. Excision
• Issued by: State Government
• Meaning: Legal release of land from government acquisition.
• Security: Secure when verified and gazetted.

4. Governor’s Consent
• Meaning: Approval required when a property changes hands after a C of O has been issued.
• Security: Confirms legality of property transaction.

5. Registered Deed of Assignment
• Meaning: Legal agreement of property transfer.
• Security: Must be registered with the Land Registry to be valid.

🧾 Also read: Pre-construction approvals and building permits in Lagos

🛡 What Title Means Secure Land Ownership?

If you want peace of mind, focus on lands with:

🚧 Avoid lands that:

🔍 How to Verify Each Land Title

Verifying a land title protects you from fraud:

1. C of O – Check at the Land Registry (e.g., Alausa in Lagos)
2. Gazette/Excision – Verify at the Surveyor-General’s Office
3. Governor’s Consent – Confirm registration at Land Registry
4. Deed of Assignment – Ensure stamping and registry entry

💡 Not sure how to verify titles or locations? Read How to buy property in Nigeria as a diaspora

⚠ Real-Life Mistakes Buyers Make

Many buyers fall into traps because they:

  1. Buy based on word of mouth
  2. Trust omo-onile (local landowners) without verification
  3. Accept only a survey and receipt
  4. Ignore government acquisition status
  5. Confuse estate layout with legal ownership

🧠 Real Case:
A buyer once bought 4 plots in Epe with only a “receipt.” Months later, it was discovered the land was under government acquisition, and he lost N10 million.

👀 Don’t be a victim. Learn about smart investment strategies

👇 Final Thoughts

Before you buy land, ask:

  1. What title does it have?
  2. Can I verify it at the right government office?
  3. Will this title protect my investment in the future?

The Nigerian real estate market offers huge opportunities but also serious risks. Breaking the myth: Real estate is not just for the rich

With proper title verification, you secure your money, future, and peace of mind.

🧭 Need Help?

At Round Peg Homes, we only deal with titled lands and provide verified documentation. We also guide you through due diligence and legal verification.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +2349110937952
🌐 Website: www.roundpeghomes.com
📍 Visit us: 40, Ibrahim Odofin Street, Peaceville Estate, Idado, Lekki Peninsula II

📖 Related Reads

Following Nigeria’s recent GDP rebasing, real estate has officially become the third-largest contributor to the national economy, overtaking several traditional industries. But this isn’t just statistical progress — it’s a loud signal to investors, entrepreneurs, and everyday Nigerians:

Lagos: Africa’s fastest-growing real estate hub, where infrastructure meets opportunity.

Property is no longer just land. It’s leverage. It’s security. It’s scalable wealth.

💡 Why This Should Matter to You

This development shows how crucial land, housing, and infrastructure have become to Nigeria’s future — and Lagos is at the very heart of it. As Africa’s fastest-growing city, Lagos continues to dominate real estate transactions, urban expansion, and population growth.

To fully grasp this shift, see:
👉 Why the Future of Real Estate Lies in Lagos and Epe
👉 Navigating the Real Estate Market: Key Trends to Watch

✅ 5 Strong Reasons to Invest in Lagos Real Estate Now

1. Land Is Finite — But Demand Is Growing

With over 20 million residents and rising, Lagos is running out of land — especially in high-growth corridors like Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, and Ikorodu. Early investments in these locations are yielding high returns.

📌 Related reads:

2. Real Estate Is a Safe Bet in Unstable Economies

In a volatile economic environment, real estate stands tall. Unlike currencies or stocks, land retains and increases value.

Further insights:

3. Massive Infrastructure Projects Are Driving Value

Lagos is undergoing a major infrastructure boom, including:

These are unlocking new real estate opportunities and rapidly increasing land prices.

Don’t miss:

4. Lagos Offers Diverse Income Opportunities

You can:

Real estate is your path to financial independence — passive or active.

💡 Learn more:

5. Improved Governance Is Boosting Investor Confidence

The Lagos State Government has taken huge steps to:

This has made real estate more transparent and secure than ever.

📌 Read:

🌿 BONUS: Real Estate + Smart Living = The Future

Modern Nigerian estates are evolving beyond just buildings. From smart homes to solar-powered communities, the focus is shifting to sustainable, tech-enabled living.

Explore these key trends:

🚀 Final Take

With real estate now a top-three economic driver in Nigeria, and Lagos at the center of it all, this is the time to act.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Lagos real estate is your gateway to long-term wealth. Don’t wait for prices to double before you take action.

The best time to invest was yesterday. The second-best time is now.

More resources to explore:
📌 How to Buy Property in Nigeria as a Diaspora
📌 How to Choose the Right Real Estate Investment
📌 Building a Legacy: Investment Opportunities in Sola Fide & Bona Fortuna
📌 Property Maintenance Tips for Nigerian Homeowners
📌 Land Banking Is More Than Just Buying Property
📌 If Opportunity Doesn’t Knock, Build a Door
📌 We Are Making Landlords This Week — Your Turn Is Now