05/04/2026
The bulletproof protocol for buying a Nigerian land remotely:
1. Hire a licensed surveyor from the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors directory—not through the agent. They inspect the site and deliver geo-tagged reports directly to you.
2. Hire an independent lawyer to conduct the title search at the Land Registry. Demand the certified search report with official stamps.
3. Verify the survey plan number at the Surveyor-General's Office through your surveyor. Confirm coordinates match government records.
4. Only after Steps 1-3 confirm legitimacy do you negotiate price.
5. Your lawyer drafts the Deed of Assignment and Contract of Sale—not the seller's lawyer.
6. Pay only via bank transfer to a CAC-registered corporate account. Verify the business registration first.
7. File for Governor's Consent through your lawyer (6-12 months, budget for it).
8. Register documents at Land Registry after consent is granted.