Documents You Need to Buy Land in Lagos: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Want to know the Documents you need to buy land in Lagos? Let’s dive in!

Buying land in Lagos is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in Nigeria today. As the commercial capital and a rapidly expanding megacity, Lagos offers numerous opportunities for residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. 

However, land transactions in Lagos are riddled with fraud, disputes, and government interference, usually due to inadequate documentation or ignorance of legal processes.

To avoid falling victim to scams or ending up with land you cannot legally own or develop, it’s crucial to know all the documents you need to buy land in Lagos, both before and after the transaction.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• The essential documents to verify before buying land

• The documents you must obtain after completing your purchase

• Where to verify documents in Lagos

• Common red flags to avoid

• FAQs about land documentation in Lagos

Documents You Need to Buy Land: Why Land Documentation Matters in Lagos

Lagos is notorious for land fraud, overlapping titles, and disputes between families, communities, and the government. In fact, one of the leading causes of real estate litigation in Nigeria is improper land documentation.

Without the right documents, you could:

• Lose your land to government acquisition or demolition
  
• Face legal battles with multiple claimants
  
• Be unable to resell or develop the land
  
• Lose your investment entirely
  

So, whether you’re buying from a private seller, a family (omonile), or a real estate company, you must know the documents you need to buy land in Lagos and how to verify them.

Pre-Purchase: Documents to Check Before Paying for Land in Lagos

Before you buy land in Lagos, insist on seeing and verifying these documents. They help confirm the seller’s ownership and ensure the land is free from encumbrances.

1. Title Document (one of the following)

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
• Governor’s Consent
• Gazette
• Excision
• Deed of Assignment (previous ownership)
• Freehold Title

2. Survey Plan
3. Land Information Certificate (Charting Report)
4. Deed of Assignment (from previous owner)
5. Village or Family Consent (for omonile or family land)
6. Receipt of Payment (from seller)
7. Contract of Sale (optional but recommended)

1. Title Document

This is the most important document to verify when getting land in Lagos. It shows the legal status of the land and who owns it. In Lagos, common types of title documents include:

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Issued by the Lagos State Government, this is proof that the land is officially allocated and owned. It’s one of the strongest titles in real estate and the most essential document you need to buy land in Lagos

• Governor’s Consent: Required when a land that already has a C of O is being resold. Every subsequent buyer must obtain Governor’s Consent for the transaction to be legal.

• Gazette: For lands formerly under government acquisition but later officially released (excised) to communities.

• Excision: A document showing that the government has legally released a portion of land back to indigenous families or communities.

• Deed of Assignment (Previous): If the land has changed hands before, ask for the previous Deed of Assignment showing how the current seller acquired it.

How to Verify Title Documents in Lagos

Visit the Lagos State Land Registry or engage a lawyer or real estate consultant to do a title search.

2. Survey Plan

A survey plan is one of the most important documents you need to buy land in Lagos. It shows the exact size, boundaries, and geographic coordinates of the land. It also indicates whether the land falls within:

• A government acquisition area
  
• A committed land zone (cannot be sold or developed)
  
• A freehold area (safe to buy)
  

How to Verify Survey Plan in Lagos

Submit the survey plan to the Office of the Surveyor General in Alausa, Ikeja for charting. This process confirms if the land is safe or not.

3. Land Information Certificate (Charting Report)

Issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, this document reveals whether the land is:

• Free from government acquisition
  
• Under acquisition but not committed
  
• Committed (i.e., reserved for public use)
  
• Under dispute or litigation
  

This is often overlooked, but very important to avoid building on land that may be demolished later.

4. Deed of Assignment (Previous Owner)

For resale transactions, the seller must present a previous Deed of Assignment showing how they lawfully acquired the land. This deed should be stamped and registered with the government.

This is one of the most important documents you need to buy land in Lagos. It helps establish a clear chain of ownership.

5. Village or Family Consent (For Omonile Lands)

If you’re buying from indigenous families or local communities (commonly called “omonile“), you need:

• A Letter of Authority or Consent
  
• A Family Receipt
  
• Confirmation that all family heads or principal members agreed to the sale

Be wary of family disputes and always insist on seeing multiple signatories and witnesses.

6. Receipt of Payment

While informal, this document is proof that a transaction took place. A valid land payment receipt should include:

• Names of the buyer and seller
  
• Description and location of the land
  
• Purchase amount
  
• Date and signatures of both parties
  
• Witnesses

Post-Purchase: Documents You Must Obtain After Buying Land in Lagos

Once you’ve made payment and confirmed all pre-purchase documents, the next step is to perfect your ownership with the following post-purchase documents.

1. Deed of Assignment (In Your Name)

This is a legal document that transfers ownership from the seller to you. It must be:

• Drafted by a legal professional
  
• Signed by both parties
  
• Witnessed by at least two people
  
• Registered at the Lagos State Land Registry
  

 Without this, you do not have a binding legal claim to the land.

2. Survey Plan (In Your Name)

After purchase, commission a licensed surveyor to prepare a new survey plan in your name. The survey must:

• Be lodged at the Office of the Surveyor General
  
• Include updated beacons, dimensions, and coordinates
  

Needed for future land registration, building approval, or resale.

3. Purchase Receipt (From Seller)

This is your evidence of full payment for the land. It should be issued on the seller’s letterhead or signed in their name, and include:

• Your full name
  
• Land location and description
  
• Amount paid
  
• Date of transaction
  

4. Contract of Sale (Optional But Advised)

This document outlines the terms and conditions of the land sale, including:

• Purchase price
  
• Payment structure
  
• Transfer timeline
  
• Responsibilities of each party
  

Especially useful for installment payments or high-value deals.

5. Governor’s Consent

Under the Nigerian Land Use Act (1978), all land transactions must be approved by the Governor of the state. You need Governor’s Consent to:

• Make your ownership legal and government-recognised
  
• Avoid challenges during resale
  
• Secure a mortgage or development permit

The Governor’s Consent is processed at the Lagos State Ministry of Lands, and it requires:

• A survey plan
  
• Tax clearance
  
• Deed of Assignment
  
• Application form
  
• Supporting documents
  

6. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) (If Applicable)

If the land doesn’t already have a C of O, you can apply for one. This certificate:

• Grants you legal ownership for 99 years (renewable)
  
• Protects you from government acquisition
  
• Enables easier resale or bank financing
  

You can apply through the Lagos State Lands Bureau.

7. Tax Clearance Certificate

This is issued by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and shows that you’re up-to-date with personal or corporate taxes.

It’s required for processing Governor’s Consent and C of O.

8. Building Plan Approval (If You Plan to Build)

Before starting construction, you must submit your architectural drawings to the Ministry of Physical Planning for approval.

Helps avoid demolition or fines for building without permits.

🛑 Red Flags to Watch Out For When Buying Land in Lagos

When buying land in Lagos, beware of:

• Lands under government acquisition or committed zones
• Sellers without valid documents or vague ownership history
  
• Land offers without survey plans
  
• “Family lands” without clear consent from all heads
  
• Sellers asking for cash-only transactions without receipts

Where to Verify Land Documents in Lagos

• Lagos State Land Registry – For C of O, Governor’s Consent, and Deeds
  
• Office of the Surveyor General – For Survey verification (Charting)
  
• Ministry of Physical Planning – For land use status and development permits
  
• Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) – To verify registered real estate companies

Summary: Full Checklist of Documents You Need to Buy Land in Lagos

Related Reading

How to Buy Land in Lagos: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

Land in Lagos: Buying From A Real Estate Developer vs Individual Seller

Land for Sale in Lagos

Final Thoughts

Buying land in Lagos doesn’t have to be risky or overwhelming. With the right information and a thorough understanding of the documents you need to buy land in Lagos, you can protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind.

Always work with a trusted real estate advisor, surveyor, and lawyer. And remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.