18/02/2026
VERIFY THE TITLE – DON’T TRUST WORD OF MOUTH
One of the biggest mistakes property buyers make is this:
They believe what they hear instead of what they can verify.
“My brother bought there.”
“The land is free from government acquisition.”
“The agent is a church member.”
“The community said it’s safe.”
Listen carefully — word of mouth is not a legal document.
You didn’t struggle to make millions of naira just to invest based on stories. In real estate, what protects you is not who said it… but what is written and registered.
Before you pay one naira, ask for documents.
Not pictures.
Not promises.
Not voice notes.
Documents.
Here are the key ones you must request and verify:
• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – This shows the government has officially recognized the ownership of the land.
• Governor’s Consent – If the land has been transferred from one owner to another, this approval is critical.
• Excision – This proves the land has been legally released from government acquisition.
• Gazette – This is the official government publication confirming excised lands.
If the seller cannot provide these… pause.
If they tell you “Don’t worry, nothing will happen”… pause.
If they rush you to pay because “prices will increase tomorrow”… pause.
Here is a simple rule to protect your money:
If you can’t verify it, don’t buy it.
Go to the land registry.
Engage a property lawyer.
Conduct proper search.
Do your due diligence.
Cheap land without verified title can become the most expensive mistake of your life.
Be a smart buyer.
Verify first.
Pay later.