Why a Survey Plan is Crucial for Land Purchase in Nigeria

A guy, let’s call him Chuks, called me last week in panic. He bought three plots of land in 2020. Today, another man is claiming ownership of the same land—with "documents" and even "witnesses." ??

Chuks thought it was a joke. He had receipts, pictures from when he bought the land, even the phone number of the "agent" that sold it to him. But guess what? The agent had disappeared. Blocked everywhere. And the land? It was never his to begin with.

How? No Survey Plan. No proper documentation. Just vibes and trust.

This isn’t just Chuks’ problem. Thousands of people in Nigeria fall into this same trap every year. You hear stories of people losing their life savings to land fraud, and you wonder, “How did they let this happen?” But the real question is, "Do you actually know how to verify land before buying?"

If you’re an investor, real estate enthusiast, or even a businessperson looking to secure commercial property, understanding the importance of a Survey Plan is not optional. It’s the difference between securing a profitable asset and donating money to land grabbers.

What Exactly is a Survey Plan?

A Survey Plan is an official document that shows the exact location, boundaries, and coordinates of your land. Think of it as the DNA of your property—without it, your land does not legally exist in government records.

It is prepared by a registered surveyor and is essential for: ? Proving legal ownership ? Avoiding land disputes ? Confirming that the land isn’t government-acquired ? Processing legal land titles like C of O and Governor’s Consent

Yet, many people buy land based on verbal assurances and a few pieces of paper, without ever verifying the most important document—the Survey Plan.

Why This is a Big Problem in Nigeria’s Real Estate Market

Land fraud is an epidemic in Nigeria. You’ve probably heard of:

• "Omonile wahala" – when land gets resold to multiple people.
• Government-acquired land disputes – where people buy land only to find out it belongs to the government.
• Fake documentation – where sellers create false papers to deceive buyers.

And guess what? Most of these issues can be avoided with a proper survey plan and verification.

Let’s talk facts.

Industry Statistics & Financial Impact

?? Over 70% of land fraud cases in Lagos involve lands with no proper documentation. ?? In 2022, the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors reported that over ?1.5 trillion is lost yearly due to land scams. ?? The Lagos State Government has demolished over 300 illegally acquired structures in the last five years.

That means thousands of businesses and individuals have lost their investments simply because they skipped proper verification.

The Risks of Buying Land Without a Survey Plan

Before you send that money to a land seller, ask yourself:

? Can you confirm ownership? (Without a survey plan, you are just guessing.) ? Can you prove your land exists legally? (If it’s not in government records, who owns it?) ? What if government demolishes your structure tomorrow? (It has happened before, and it will happen again.) ? Can you use the land for investment or resale? (Banks won’t accept undocumented land as collateral.)

People who ignore these checks usually end up with two options: fight a never-ending court case or just count their losses and move on.

How to Protect Yourself & Invest Safely

Here’s what you need to do before you buy ANY land in Nigeria:

1. Verify the Survey Plan Before Payment

Always request for a registered survey plan before making any payment. Take it to the Surveyor General’s office or use a licensed surveyor to verify it. If they say “no record found,” run.

2. Conduct a Proper Land Search

Don’t assume the seller is telling the truth. Check the land’s history, ownership records, and title documents. If they tell you "family land," ask which family? Get legal backing.

3. Work With Professionals

If the seller says, "Trust me, I swear, the land is legit," just smile and walk away. Your money is too important for blind trust. Work with a licensed surveyor, real estate expert, or lawyer.

4. Buy from a Trusted Source

If you’re serious about investing in land, then work with a real estate professional who guarantees security, transparency, and proper documentation.

And that’s where I come in.

If you found my last article on why a Survey Plan is crucial for land purchase insightful, then you definitely need to read my latest breakdown on the different types of survey plans, how to get them, and the cost implications. A lot of people buy land without knowing the right survey documents they need, and that’s how they fall into land fraud traps. In this new article, I explain step-by-step how to obtain a registered survey, composite survey, land charting verification, and more—plus the estimated costs in different states. Before you invest in any land, make sure you know exactly what you're paying for! Check out the full article here: [Insert LinkedIn Article Link]

Safe & Profitable Real Estate Investments With Me

? Lands available from ?500k - ?40M (With verifiable titles like C of O, Gazette, and Governor’s Consent) ? Real estate investment opportunities (Earn 30%-50% ROI in 12 months) ? Flexible payment plans for off-plan homes and commercial properties ? Already-built properties for those who want a faster move-in option

Don't let land fraud happen to you. Invest smart. Secure your property with verified documents and the right guidance.

?? Send me a message now: wa.me/2348134273672

Let's talk business: ?? Instagram ?? Twitter ?? Facebook ?? LinkedIn

Land investment is serious business. Do it the right way.

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