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