ilemi

For members of the Nigerian diaspora looking to purchase property back home, the journey is often filled with anticipation and uncertainty. You might be planning to return permanently, invest in rental properties, or secure a family home for the future.

Buying real estate in Nigeria involves more than just finding the right listing. The legal documentation process is critical, and without proper guidance, it can also be risky.

If you are considering buying property in Nigeria while living abroad, understanding what documents are required, how to verify them, and where to obtain them is essential. In this guide, we outline the key legal documents you need to check before making a purchase, explain their significance, and highlight the common scams associated with each one.

ilemi provides a fully managed concierge service specifically tailored for Nigerians in the diaspora. This includes finding properties, verifying documentation, conducting inspections, and offering a seamless transition into your new home. For each item below, we'll share how we can help make things easy with our concierge service, if you decide that you don't want to take on the risk and the stress of doing it on your own.

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

What it is:
The Certificate of Occupancy is an official government document that proves legal ownership of land in Nigeria, typically in urban areas. It grants the holder a 99-year lease from the government.

Where to get it:
Issued by the State Government through the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

Why it matters:
It is the most widely accepted evidence of ownership and is crucial for legal recognition, resale, or financing.

Risks to avoid:

Forged C of O documents are common, especially in high-demand areas.
Some properties may have a C of O but are still under government acquisition or in dispute.

How ilemi Concierge helps:
Our concierge team works directly with the appropriate government authorities to verify the authenticity of the C of O before any transaction is completed.

2. Deed of Assignment

What it is:
This is a legal agreement that transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. It outlines the details of the transaction, including parties involved, property description, and agreed price.

Where to get it:
Prepared by a qualified solicitor and registered at the state Land Registry.

Why it matters:
It serves as proof of transfer of title. Without this document, you cannot legally claim ownership, even after payment.

Risks to avoid:

Unregistered deeds can be challenged in court.
Some sellers may use the same deed to mislead multiple buyers.

How ilemi helps:
We ensure all deeds are prepared by accredited legal professionals and are properly registered with the appropriate authorities.

3. Governor’s Consent

What it is:
Under Nigerian law, every land transaction must be approved by the state governor. This approval is what is known as Governor’s Consent.

Where to get it:
Applied for through the Ministry of Lands in the relevant state after the Deed of Assignment is executed.

Why it matters:
Without this consent, any land transaction is considered incomplete and may be declared void in court.

Risks to avoid:

Many sellers skip this step due to the cost and time involved, leaving buyers with an invalid transaction.
Fraudulent agents may claim the consent is “in process” when it has never been applied for.

How ilemi helps:
Our team handles all applications for Governor’s Consent, ensuring your transaction complies with the Land Use Act and is fully legal.

4. Survey Plan

What it is:
A survey plan is a document that defines the exact boundaries and size of a property. It also confirms the location coordinates and land status.

Where to get it:
Prepared by a licensed surveyor and submitted to the Office of the Surveyor General for authentication.

Why it matters:
It ensures that the land is properly measured and not under any form of government acquisition or encroachment.

Risks to avoid:

Properties may be sold with fake or duplicated survey plans.
Without proper verification, buyers may end up with land that doesn’t exist or overlaps with another plot.

How ilemi helps:
We conduct full survey plan verification using government records and certified surveyors.

5. Title Search and Land Registry Verification

What it is:
A title search investigates the history of the property to confirm ownership and check for any legal or financial encumbrances.

Where to get it:
Conducted at the State Land Registry where the property is located.

Why it matters:
A title search protects you from buying a property with existing loans, litigation, or multiple claims of ownership.

Risks to avoid:

Some properties may be under legal dispute or used as collateral without the buyer's knowledge.
A seller may not have the legal right to sell the property at all.

How ilemi helps:
We perform a full title search as part of our concierge service to ensure your investment is protected.

6. Receipts and Transaction Documents

What they are:
These include official receipts for payments, letters of intent, and the contract of sale. They form the paper trail that proves the transaction occurred.

Where to get them:
Generated during the transaction process by the seller or their legal representative and reviewed by the buyer’s lawyer.

Why it matters:
Without receipts or documentation of payment, you may struggle to prove ownership or enforce your rights.

Risks to avoid:

Informal transactions with no documentation are difficult to enforce legally.
Sellers may deny receiving full payment if not properly documented.

How ilemi helps:
We manage and archive all transaction records and issue verified receipts to protect your interests.

7. Building Plan Approval (For Developed Properties)

What it is:
This is an official document that shows the building was constructed in accordance with approved designs and local planning laws.

Where to get it:
Issued by the Physical Planning Authority in the relevant state.

Why it matters:
It ensures the building is legally constructed and not subject to demolition by government agencies.

Risks to avoid:

Some developers bypass approval processes.
Buildings without approvals can be demolished or attract penalties.

How ilemi helps:
We inspect and confirm that all approvals are in place before any purchase is finalised

Helping You Buy with Certainty, Not Just Hope

Purchasing property in Nigeria from abroad is a significant financial and emotional commitment. Without the right information and local expertise, it is easy to fall into traps that can cost both time and money.

That is why ilemi offers a concierge service designed to give diaspora clients peace of mind. From sourcing verified properties to handling inspections, document verification, and government approvals, our team ensures every part of the process is transparent and secure. We even provide private drivers and chefs for your first few months in your new home to help you settle in smoothly.

In the Nigerian property market, clarity is everything. With ilemi, you do not have to guess. You can trust that what you are buying is exactly what it appears to be.

Want to know more about our Concierge service? We have a full guide available here.

Don't dream it's real: Know it.