How to Verify Land Documents in Lagos Before You Pay

Step 1: Identify What Document the Seller Is Presenting

Ask for the title document upfront. The most common ones in Lagos are:

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
• Deed of Assignment
• Governor's Consent
• Registered Survey Plan
• Gazette (for excised land)

Each document tells a different story about the land's legal standing. A C of O is government-issued and the strongest title. A Deed of Assignment alone is not complete ownership — it must be paired with Governor's Consent to be legally perfected.

Step 2: Run a Search at the Lagos State Lands Bureau

This is non-negotiable. Visit the Lagos State Lands Bureau at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, and request a land search. A search will confirm:

• Whether the C of O exists and is genuine
• Who the current registered owner is
• Whether there are any encumbrances, loans, or government acquisitions on the land

Bring the file number from the C of O and the survey plan. The search typically takes a few working days and costs a small administrative fee. Never skip this step.

Step 3: Engage a Licensed Surveyor

Before payment, hire an independent licensed surveyor to verify the survey plan. The surveyor will:

• Confirm the land's exact coordinates and boundaries
• Check if the land falls within any government-acquired or restricted zone
• Verify that the survey plan is genuine and registered with the Office of the Surveyor General of Lagos State

This step saves you from buying land that is either government property or already sold to someone else with different coordinates.

Step 4: Check for Government Acquisition

Some areas in Lagos have been partially or fully acquired by the government for infrastructure projects. Before buying, confirm with the Lands Bureau or a local property lawyer that the land is free from government acquisition notices.

Step 5: Verify the Seller's Identity

Confirm that the person selling the land is the same person named on the title document. Ask for government-issued ID and cross-check it against the name on the C of O or Deed of Assignment. If the seller is an agent or company, ask for a letter of authority linking them to the registered owner.

Step 6: Engage a Property Lawyer

A qualified property lawyer will conduct due diligence, prepare or review the Deed of Assignment, and ensure that Governor's Consent is obtained after the transaction to perfect your title. This is not optional. Legal fees are a small price compared to losing land worth millions of naira.

At Sardonyx, every land we list has gone through internal document verification. We help buyers navigate the process with transparency. Contact us at [email protected] or visit [www.sardonyxng.com](https://www.sardonyxng.com) to see available verified land in Lagos.