In Nigeria, buying land can either be your greatest investment or your biggest mistake.

Land scams remain alarmingly common, costing unsuspecting buyers their life savings and
peace of mind. From fake land documents to unscrupulous agents, the risks are high but
avoidable.

This guide walks you through the verified, secure, and legal steps to owning land in Nigeria
without losing your money or your peace of mind. Whether you’re a young investor, civil servant,
or Nigerian in the diaspora, this is a beginner-friendly land-buying guide you’ll need.

The Reality of Land Scams in Nigeria

Land scams are sadly common in Nigeria, affecting thousands of individuals across states like
Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Enugu. Fraudsters exploit buyers' lack of knowledge, eagerness, or
desperation.

Common scam tactics include:

● Selling land with fake or cloned documents (e.g., forged Certificates of Occupancy).
● Disputes from multiple families or communities laying claim to the same parcel.
● Land-grabbers ("Omo onile") reselling the same property multiple times.
● Advertising lands already sold or under government acquisition.

According to the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), fraudsters are
exploiting the desperation of prospective homeowners and tenants to have roofs over their heads
and secure cheaper accommodation to defraud victims.
The biggest risk? Failure to verify land listings and sellers. In Nigeria, not everything that
looks legit on paper is legal.

Red Flags: Signs You’re About to Be Scammed

Here are warning signs every smart land buyer should watch for:
● Too-good-to-be-true pricing: If the price is far below market value, it’s likely a scam.
● Missing official documents: No Survey Plan, C of O, or Deed of Assignment.
● Avoidance of site inspection: Seller refuses or delays site visitation.
● Urgency and pressure to pay quickly.
● Unverifiable land location or lack of coordinates.
● No traceable office or company: Ghost agents with only a phone number and
WhatsApp DP.
If you spot any of these, walk away.

Types of Land Documentation in Nigeria (And What They Mean)

Understanding property documents is critical. Below are the most important ones:
● Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Issued by the state, proving legal occupancy rights
(valid for 99 years).
● Right of Occupancy (R of O): Similar to C of O, it gives the holder legal use of the land.
● Survey Plan: Maps out the exact location and dimensions of the land.
● Deed of Assignment: Transfers ownership from seller to buyer.
● Excision & Gazette: Approves indigenous land for private ownership.

Always verify these with authorities like FCDA, state Land Registries, or Ministry of Lands

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Secure Land in Nigeria

1. Do Your Research
Understand the area, market rates, land zoning, and community presence.

2. Use Verified Real Estate Platforms
Sites like PX Property Hub feature pre-verified land listings with proper documentation and
site details.

3. Visit the Land
Always inspect in person. Use tools like Google Maps or GPS, or engage a local guide.

4. Request Documents and Verify Them
Ask for:
● C of O or R of O
● Survey Plan
● Gazette or Deed of Assignment
● Tax receipts
Verify these through state land registries.

5. Hire a Property Lawyer and Licensed Surveyor
A qualified lawyer will ensure your land transaction is protected under Nigerian law.

6. Make Payments Legally
Never pay in cash. Use bank transfers and always document transactions.
7. Register Your Title
The final and most crucial step: submit your ownership documents for official registration.

 

Why You Should Use Verified Real Estate Platforms Like PX Property Hub

PX Property Hub helps buyers navigate the complicated terrain of land acquisition with:

● 100% Verified Listings: All properties go through legal screening.
● Government-approved documentation.
● Access to property lawyers and vetted agents.
● Mobile app and website with easy property search, filters, and document uploads.
● After-sale service: including inspections, follow-up, and support.

 

The Role of Technology in Preventing Land Scams

Technology has changed how we buy property in Nigeria:
● Online platforms like PXPropertyHub.com offer verified listings.
● GPS coordinates help verify land locations.
● Digital surveys reduce error and fraud.
● Video tours & virtual inspections are useful for diaspora clients.
Blockchain and smart contracts are also gaining ground for their transparency and immutability.

PX Property Hub’s Approach to Secure Land Investment

PX Property Hub doesn’t just list lands, they protect your investment.
● Service Areas: Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Ogun, Port Harcourt, and more.
● Partnerships with FCDA, lawyers, and certified surveyors.
● PX Mobile App: For browsing listings and managing property documents.
● Payment Flexibility: Installment options available for civil servants.
● Global Access: Diaspora clients can access listings and schedule inspections remotely.
PX Property Hub is a full-service property platform that brings trust, tech, and transparency
together.

Pro Tips for First-Time Land Buyers

● Never buy land you haven’t seen.
● Verify the agent or seller via online platforms.
● Check reviews and testimonials.
● Document every step.
● Involve legal professionals.
● Use secure and verified real estate websites.

Conclusion

Buying land in Nigeria doesn’t have to be a gamble.
By doing your due diligence, verifying documents, and working with trusted platforms like PX
Property Hub, you can make safe, smart, and rewarding property investments anywhere in
Nigeria.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore verified land listings on PXPropertyHub.com today and join thousands of buyers making
safe property investments.