How Can Nigerians in Diaspora Buy Property Safely in Lekki?
Introduction
Lekki has become the epicenter of real estate growth and modern urban development in Lagos, Nigeria. With its expanding road networks, luxurious residential estates, proximity to business hubs, and serene coastal environment, it represents one of the most desirable investment destinations in West Africa. Yet, while Lekki’s opportunities attract global attention, many Nigerians living abroad struggle with one crucial concern: How can I buy property safely without being defrauded or misled?
Every year, countless Nigerians in the diaspora lose money to fake agents, dubious developers, or fraudulent “family lands.” These scams thrive on distance, lack of legal verification, and emotional trust. Unfortunately, many victims discover too late that the property they bought was under government acquisition or had been sold to multiple buyers.
This comprehensive guide will teach every Nigerian abroad how to buy property safely in Lekki, avoid common pitfalls, understand legal documentation, and build a verifiable ownership structure from anywhere in the world. It will also include a real-life case study, answers to frequently asked questions, and actionable steps to ensure your investment is legitimate and protected under Lagos State property laws.
Why Lekki Is the Prime Location for Diaspora Investors
Lekki has evolved from a quiet coastal suburb into Nigeria’s fastest-growing residential and commercial corridor. From Lekki Phase 1 to Ibeju-Lekki, the area hosts multi-billion-naira developments such as the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki Deep Seaport, the Free Trade Zone, and the proposed Lekki International Airport.
For Nigerians in the diaspora, Lekki offers the perfect blend of security, infrastructure, and appreciation potential. Properties here yield strong capital growth and rental returns, with a thriving market for short-lets, serviced apartments, and commercial spaces.
However, the same attraction also draws fraudsters who exploit unsuspecting buyers abroad. Therefore, understanding the correct process is not just important — it’s vital.
Challenges Faced by Nigerians in the Diaspora When Buying Property
Distance remains the biggest challenge. When you live thousands of miles away, verifying land titles, visiting the site, or meeting government officials becomes difficult. Many rely on relatives, friends, or unverified agents who may have good intentions but lack professional or legal expertise.
Other common challenges include:
Title fraud: Fake documents such as cloned Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) or forged Gazette numbers.
Multiple sales: Unscrupulous sellers selling the same land to several buyers.
Family disputes: Purchases made from unauthorized members of land-owning families.
Lack of due diligence: Buyers skip property searches or fail to verify with the Lagos State Land Registry.
Incomplete documentation: Failure to obtain Governor’s Consent or register the Deed of Assignment.
Emotional decisions: Buying property from relatives without independent verification.
Recognizing these risks is the first step toward avoiding them.
Understanding the Legal Framework for Land Ownership in Lekki
All land in Lagos State is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978, which vests ownership of land in each state in the Governor. No individual truly “owns” land outright — they hold a Right of Occupancy granted by the Governor.
Therefore, every property transaction in Lekki must receive government recognition through one or more of the following legal documents:
Excision: When the government releases land back to an original community.
Gazette: Official publication confirming an excision.
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Government-issued proof of ownership for 99 years.
Governor’s Consent: Mandatory approval for resale or transfer of land that already has a C of O.
Any land without one of these legally recognized titles should be approached with caution.
Step-by-Step Guide for Diaspora Nigerians to Buy Property Safely in Lekki
Engage a Property Lawyer Before Anything Else
The most important step is to hire a licensed property lawyer in Lagos before sending money or signing any document. A lawyer conducts due diligence, verifies ownership, interprets land titles, and ensures compliance with the Land Use Act.
Your lawyer should:
Conduct a title search at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa.
Obtain a Land Information Certificate and Survey Charting Report from the Office of the Surveyor General.
Confirm that the land is free from government acquisition or litigation.
Prepare or review the Deed of Assignment, Sales Agreement, and Power of Attorney.
Working with a professional property lawyer gives you legal visibility and protects you from hidden risks.
Verify the Property Title
Before payment, confirm that the property has a valid title — whether it is a Gazette, C of O, or Governor’s Consent. Avoid properties marketed as “excision in progress” or “awaiting approval.” These are risky because excision applications can be rejected.
Ask your lawyer to obtain a Certified True Copy of the title document directly from the registry to ensure it is genuine.
Conduct a Physical Site Inspection
Even if you live abroad, you can authorize your lawyer or a trusted inspection officer to visit the site and send videos, photographs, and a detailed report. Many frauds occur because buyers never confirm the actual land location or coordinates.
The inspection should confirm:
Correct survey plan coordinates.
Absence of disputes or encroachment.
Accessibility via a registered access road.
The presence of estate infrastructure promised by developers.
Obtain a Proper Sales Agreement and Deed of Assignment
Once the property is verified, your lawyer will prepare a Sales Agreement outlining the purchase price, payment schedule, and obligations of each party. After payment, both parties execute a Deed of Assignment, which legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.
The Deed must include:
Names and addresses of both parties.
Description and size of the property.
Root of title (previous ownership).
Date of transfer and consideration amount.
Signatures of both parties and witnesses.
The Deed should then be stamped, registered, and filed for Governor’s Consent to complete perfection of title.
Pay Through Traceable Channels Only
Never send cash or use unrecorded transfers. Payments should be made through traceable channels such as bank transfers to the seller’s corporate account. This creates an official trail and can serve as evidence in case of disputes.
Your lawyer should also issue a payment acknowledgment receipt and retain copies for the transaction file.
Perfect the Title Immediately
Many buyers assume registration can wait, but that delay exposes the property to fraud. Once the sale is concluded, apply for:
Stamp Duties Payment.
Governor’s Consent.
Land Registration Number at the Lagos State Land Registry.
A perfected title secures your ownership and allows you to resell, mortgage, or develop the land legally.
Use a Power of Attorney (POA)
Because you are abroad, sign a Power of Attorney authorizing your lawyer or trusted representative to act on your behalf in Nigeria. The POA can be executed and notarized at a Nigerian embassy or through a Notary Public in your country of residence.
It empowers your attorney to sign documents, make payments, or collect registered deeds in your absence. This ensures the process continues smoothly without delays due to distance.
Deal Only With Reputable Developers or Verified Estates
Lekki hosts hundreds of new estate projects, but not all are legitimate. Some developers build on unapproved or encumbered lands. Before committing funds, research the developer’s background, past projects, and government approvals.
Ask for evidence of:
Title document (Gazette or C of O).
Layout approval from the Ministry of Physical Planning.
Registered survey plan.
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) incorporation.
Reputable developers are transparent and work with lawyers during transactions.
Request Video Documentation and Progress Updates
Diaspora buyers should insist on visual evidence — video tours, drone footage, and legal document scans. With technology, you can participate in every step remotely. Many professional firms provide digital project tracking for foreign investors.
This approach reduces uncertainty and ensures that your investment is traceable.
Engage a Property Management Company
After purchase, appoint a Property Management Company to supervise, maintain, or rent out your property. They provide security, tenant screening, and regular reporting. For undeveloped land, they help prevent encroachment or illegal occupation.
Legal Documents Every Diaspora Buyer Must Obtain
To protect your investment, ensure you receive the following:
Survey Plan: Describes the land’s exact location and coordinates.
Deed of Assignment: Transfers ownership.
Governor’s Consent: Approves the transfer under the Land Use Act.
Certificate of Occupancy: Confirms official recognition of ownership (if applicable).
Receipt of Purchase: Issued by the seller acknowledging payment.
Land Information Certificate: Shows government status of the land.
Tax Clearance Certificates for both buyer and seller.
Each of these documents plays a specific role in confirming that your transaction is legitimate.
Common Scams Targeting Nigerians in the Diaspora
Fake Agency Scam:
Fraudsters create fake real-estate brands on social media, showcasing attractive estates with unrealistically low prices. Once payment is made, communication stops, and the company disappears.
Family Land Fraud:
Unsanctioned members of a land-owning family sell plots without the consent of other principal members. The real owners later reclaim the property, leaving the buyer stranded.
Duplicate Title Scam:
Fraudsters forge or duplicate Certificates of Occupancy and sell the same land to multiple buyers. Only the first person to register at the Land Registry gains legal priority.
Unauthorized Development Scheme:
Developers sell land within government acquisition zones or unapproved layouts. Buyers lose their investments when the government reclaims or demolishes the property.
Avoid these traps by verifying every transaction through your lawyer and the Lagos State Land Registry.
Case Study: A Diaspora Buyer’s Experience
Mrs. Adesuwa, a Nigerian nurse living in Canada, decided to invest in property in Lekki after seeing online advertisements for a fast-developing estate in Ibeju-Lekki. She contacted the marketer through Instagram, who promised to “help her secure a plot at a promo price.”
Without professional guidance, she transferred $35,000 directly to the marketer’s account. Two years later, when she visited Nigeria to inspect the property, she discovered the estate did not exist — the land was under government acquisition for the Lekki Coastal Road Project. The marketer had vanished.
Heartbroken, she approached a legal firm for advice. The firm explained that she should have:
Conducted a title search.
Verified the developer’s registration and land documents.
Paid through a traceable, corporate account after legal confirmation.
Determined not to give up, Mrs. Adesuwa engaged a property lawyer, who later helped her buy a verified plot with a Gazette title at Sangotedo. The lawyer handled all processes — verification, purchase agreement, and registration. She received her Deed of Assignment and Governor’s Consent within six months.
Today, her property is secure, fenced, and legally registered. Her story underscores one vital lesson: legal due diligence is the shield of every diaspora investor.
How Technology Now Simplifies the Process for Diaspora Buyers
Modern tools now allow Nigerians abroad to invest confidently:
Virtual Inspections: Live video tours or drone footage of properties.
E-signature Platforms: Digital signing of agreements recognized under Nigerian electronic-transactions law.
Online Title Verification: Lagos State’s GIS Portal allows quick searches of property titles.
Secure Payment Gateways: Government-approved electronic channels for tax and registration fees.
Email and Courier Documentation: Certified documents can be scanned and couriered abroad for record-keeping.
These innovations make remote transactions safer when handled by licensed professionals.
How to Finance Your Property Purchase from Abroad
Diaspora Nigerians can fund real-estate investments through several legitimate methods:
Direct Bank Transfers via domiciliary or Naira accounts.
Diaspora Mortgage Schemes offered by Nigerian banks partnering with international institutions.
Joint Ownership Structures with family members, properly documented.
Legal Escrow Accounts managed by your lawyer to hold funds until due diligence is completed.
Using structured payment ensures transparency and prevents misuse of funds.
The Role of Chaman Law Firm in Diaspora Real-Estate Protection
Chaman Law Firm specializes in property transactions, verification, and title perfection for both local and diaspora clients. The firm conducts professional searches, prepares airtight contracts, and liaises directly with government authorities to ensure every property purchased in Lekki is safe, legal, and transferable.
Clients abroad receive detailed progress reports, video documentation, and certified copies of all filings. Whether you intend to buy, register, or resell a property, the firm ensures full compliance with Lagos State laws and international best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy property in Lekki while living abroad?
Yes. By granting a Power of Attorney to your lawyer or representative, you can legally buy, sign, and register property without being physically present.
What type of property title should I look for?
Prefer properties with a Gazette, Certificate of Occupancy, or Governor’s Consent. Avoid land marked as “excision in progress” or “awaiting approval.”
How can I verify the authenticity of property documents?
Your lawyer can conduct a search at the Lagos State Land Registry and obtain a Land Information Certificate. Always request a Certified True Copy of the title.
Is it safe to buy through relatives?
Not without legal oversight. Even family members may unknowingly transact on disputed or encumbered lands. Always involve a lawyer.
What is the difference between buying family land and developer land?
Family lands may be cheaper but riskier due to internal disputes. Developer estates with C of O or Gazette titles offer more security.
How long does it take to process Governor’s Consent?
Usually three to six months, depending on document accuracy and government workload.
Can I take a loan on my property in Lekki?
Yes. Banks accept properties with perfected titles (C of O or Governor’s Consent) as collateral.
What if I already bought land without legal checks?
Consult a property lawyer immediately to verify the title and initiate perfection. The lawyer may help you regularize ownership or recover losses.
Can I own multiple properties in Lekki as a non-resident?
Yes. There are no legal limits on the number of properties you can own as long as each is properly registered.
Does Lagos State offer any digital verification for diaspora buyers?
Yes. The Lagos State Land Bureau operates an online portal for land verification and document tracking.
Conclusion
Buying property in Lekki from abroad can be one of the most rewarding investments a Nigerian in the diaspora can make — but only when done correctly. The process is legal, transparent, and entirely achievable through professional channels. What makes the difference is knowledge, verification, and legal guidance.
Do not depend on emotion or verbal assurances. Demand documentation, verify every title, and perfect your ownership through proper registration. Remember: a property not backed by government approval is merely a promise, not ownership.
By following the steps outlined in this guide — engaging a lawyer, confirming titles, avoiding “excision in progress,” and registering your deed — you can invest confidently, even while abroad. Lekki’s future is bright, but only those who buy wisely will enjoy its full rewards.
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