Land Ownership in Nigeria for Diasporans: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Here’s the Truth)
- Simon Zaku
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Is Buying Land in Nigeria as a Diasporan a Smart Move? Here’s the Truth
Imagine this...
You’ve been abroad for years, working hard, saving in dollars, pounds, or euros. You dream of owning land in Nigeria—maybe for retirement, family, or investment.
Then one day, your cousin calls from Lagos with a “hot deal” on land. You send the money, only to realize later… the land doesn’t exist. Ouch.
Unfortunately, this happens too often.
Land scams are one of the biggest fears of diasporans looking to invest back home.
But does that mean you should give up on your dream?
Absolutely not. In fact, Nigeria’s real estate market is booming. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the real estate sector contributed 5.64% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023 alone.
But here’s the thing…
If you don’t follow the right process, you could lose millions.
In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about buying land in Nigeria as a diasporan—legally, safely, and without getting scammed.
What You Will Learn (Buying Land in Nigeria: The Untold Secrets Diasporans Must Know)
The step-by-step process of buying land in Nigeria from abroad
How to avoid land scams and fraudulent agents
The legal documents required for land ownership
The cheapest places to buy land in Nigeria
How much land costs in different Nigerian states
Table of Contents (The Shocking Truth About Buying Land in Nigeria as a Diasporan (What No One Tells You))
Why Buying Land in Nigeria is a Smart Investment for Diasporans
Can a Foreigner or Diasporan Own Land in Nigeria?
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Land in Nigeria from Abroad
Documents Required to Buy Land in Nigeria
Cost of Buying Land in Nigeria (State by State Breakdown)
Cheapest Places to Buy Land in Nigeria
How to Avoid Land Scams in Nigeria
Legal Ways to Acquire Land in Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Who is This Guide For?
This guide is perfect for:
Nigerians in the diaspora who want to invest in real estate back home
Foreigners interested in owning property in Nigeria
First-time land buyers who don’t understand Nigeria’s real estate system
Anyone looking to avoid land scams and legal issues
Why Buying Land in Nigeria is a Smart Investment for Diasporans
Let’s be real…
Land is one of the most secure investments you can make. Unlike stocks, crypto, or even some businesses, land doesn’t lose value.
In Nigeria, land prices keep increasing due to population growth and urban expansion.
For example, between 2019 and 2024, land prices in Lagos skyrocketed by over 150% in high-demand areas like Lekki and Ajah.
So, if you buy land in a strategic location today, chances are, its value will multiply in a few years.
Can a Foreigner or Diasporan Own Land in Nigeria?
Yes, but there’s a catch…
Under the Nigerian Land Use Act, all land in Nigeria is technically owned by the government, and individuals can only lease land for a maximum of 99 years.
However, diasporans (Nigerians abroad) have the same land ownership rights as Nigerians at home.
Foreigners, on the other hand, must obtain government approval before buying land.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Land in Nigeria from Abroad
Follow these steps to buy land safely in Nigeria:
Decide on Your Budget and Location – Where do you want to buy land? Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, or somewhere else?
Hire a Trusted Real Estate Agent or Lawyer – Never send money to random people! Work with registered professionals.
Verify the Land Title – Ensure the land has a proper title (C of O, Governor’s Consent, etc.).
Conduct a Land Search – Check the land’s legal status at the Ministry of Lands.
Negotiate and Make Payments Securely – Use legal payment channels to avoid fraud.
Obtain the Right Documents – Get the deed of assignment, survey plan, and other documents.
Register the Land in Your Name – This ensures full ownership rights.
Documents Required to Buy Land in Nigeria
To legally own land in Nigeria, you need:
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Deed of Assignment
Registered Survey Plan
Governor’s Consent (for certain lands)
Land Purchase Receipt
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a foreigner own land in Nigeria?
Foreigners can own land in Nigeria but must obtain government approval before purchasing.
Where is the cheapest land in Nigeria?
States like Ogun, Oyo, and Akwa Ibom offer some of the most affordable land.
Is buying land a good investment in Nigeria?
Yes! Land appreciates in value over time, making it a solid investment.
How do I prove title to land in Nigeria?
Ensure the land has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and verify ownership at the Land Registry.
Conclusion - Land Ownership in Nigeria for Diasporans
Buying land in Nigeria as a diasporan is one of the best investments you can make, but it comes with risks. The key is to do it the right way—legally, securely, and with expert guidance.
At IbiFoundry, we help diasporans buy land in Nigeria without stress.
Need guidance? Contact us today!
Would you consider buying land in Nigeria, or do you still have concerns?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Simon Taki Zaku
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited
For the IbiFoundry.com.ng E-magazine.
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