Many property disputes in Lagos begin with a title that was not checked. Land may be under government acquisition, sold by more than one claimant, or subject to a family or community claim that surfaces after payment.
Start with a search at the Land Registry
Before any payment is made, a search should be conducted at the relevant Lagos State Land Registry to confirm the seller's name on the title matches the person selling, that there are no existing encumbrances (mortgages, liens, or caveats) on the property, and that the land is not marked under government acquisition.
Confirm the type of title
A Certificate of Occupancy, a Deed of Assignment, and a Governor's Consent serve different purposes. A seller's documents may not be enough to transfer the property lawfully. Check which records are on file and confirm their authenticity.
Governor's consent
Under the Land Use Act, most transfers of land held under a Certificate of Occupancy in Nigeria require the Governor's consent to be valid. A sale completed without this consent can be challenged later, even years after the buyer has taken possession.
"Omo onile" claims and community-level disputes are far easier to resolve before a purchase than after.
Watch for community and family claims
In parts of Lagos, land sold by an individual family member without the consent of the wider family, or land claimed by a community group ("omo onile"), can lead to disputes long after a sale. Verifying the chain of ownership, not just the most recent transaction, helps surface these risks early.
Before you pay a deposit
Before paying a deposit, search the Land Registry, verify the documents, and inspect the property. These checks can reveal claims or title problems before a purchase is completed.
Get a title verified