How to Assess the Credibility of Estate Developers in Ogun State
Introduction
The demand for real estate in Ogun State has exploded in recent years, thanks to its proximity to Lagos, expanding infrastructure, and industrial growth. From the Mowe–Ibafo–Arepo corridor to Sagamu, Agbara, and Abeokuta, hundreds of estate developers now advertise “affordable land” and “instant allocation” daily.
But behind the billboards and social media campaigns lies a critical truth: not every estate developer is credible. Many investors have lost millions to fake developers, unapproved layouts, or estates built on government-acquired lands.
Before committing your hard-earned money to any developer, you must conduct a thorough background check. This detailed guide by Chaman Law Firm, one of Nigeria’s leading property and real estate law firms, explains exactly how to assess the credibility of estate developers in Ogun State—so you can invest confidently and safely.
1. Verify the Developer’s Corporate Legitimacy
The first step in assessing credibility is confirming that the developer actually exists as a registered legal entity.
Check CAC Registration
Ask for the developer’s Certificate of Incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
A credible company will have:
A valid RC number.
Registered business address.
Directors’ names and contact details.
You can confirm these details online at https://search.cac.gov.ng.
Red Flag: Any developer operating only under a business name or using personal accounts for transactions without corporate documents.
2. Confirm Land Ownership and Title Documents
A developer’s credibility begins with legal ownership of the land they’re selling.
Key Documents to Request
Survey Plan (with coordinates).
Deed of Assignment or Deed of Conveyance.
Governor’s Consent or Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Layout Approval from Ogun State Physical Planning Authority.
How to Verify
Conduct a Land Search at the Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey in Abeokuta.
Confirm the coordinates at the Office of the Surveyor-General of Ogun State.
Use a property lawyer to interpret the documents.
Red Flag: Developers who say “documents are processing” or “family land, but no issue.” Never rely on verbal assurances.
3. Check Government Approvals and Layout Plans
Before developers can sell land to the public, they must obtain:
Layout Approval from Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Perimeter Survey Approval from the Surveyor-General’s Office.
Title Regularization (Governor’s Consent or Gazette).
Without these approvals, the estate may be illegal and subject to demolition or revocation.
Tip: Always ask to see the approved layout plan stamped by the ministry—don’t accept photocopies without official seals.
4. Visit the Project Site Physically
Do not rely on digital brochures or drone videos. A physical inspection often exposes inconsistencies between marketing claims and reality.
During Your Visit
Check if infrastructure (roads, drainage, perimeter fencing) actually exists.
Talk to neighboring landowners or residents.
Ask workers or site agents about the actual landowner and progress history.
Look for “under acquisition” or “no trespass” signs — they’re red flags.
Many fraudulent developers use pictures from different estates to advertise nonexistent locations.
5. Assess Their Track Record
Reputable developers have a portfolio of completed or ongoing projects. Ask for verifiable addresses and visit them yourself.
Questions to Ask
How many estates have they completed?
What are the names and locations of those estates?
Can you speak to previous buyers or residents?
How long has the company been in operation?
You can also check for online reviews or testimonials (Google My Business, Nairaland, Facebook, etc.).
Red Flag: Developers who cannot show even one completed estate or who rely only on “proposed layouts” or “future developments.”
6. Investigate the Company’s Reputation
Ask around—reputation travels fast in the real estate community.
Sources of Information
Real estate lawyers.
Local community chiefs and land surveyors.
Ogun State Real Estate Regulatory bodies (if applicable).
Social media property review pages.
Search the company’s name with keywords like “scam,” “fraud,” or “dispute.”
A pattern of unresolved complaints is a major warning sign.
7. Review the Developer’s Contract Documents
A credible developer provides a professional and transparent contract prepared or reviewed by legal practitioners.
Documents to Review
Contract of Sale or Purchase Agreement.
Deed of Assignment (to be executed after full payment).
Receipt of Payment (on company letterhead).
Estate Rules and Regulations (if applicable).
What to Check For
Clauses protecting buyers’ rights.
Clear payment structure and refund policy.
Developer’s full details and signatures.
Red Flag: Developers refusing to allow you to take documents home for review or who discourage legal consultation.
8. Evaluate Project Infrastructure and Development Commitment
A credible estate developer doesn’t just sell land—they provide value through infrastructure.
Check for:
Accessible roads.
Drainage and flood control systems.
Perimeter fencing and security.
Power and water plans.
Proper estate layout and demarcation.
Ask Direct Questions
When will allocation take place?
Are roads and drainage part of the purchase cost or optional?
What happens if they fail to deliver promised infrastructure?
Always include infrastructure delivery clauses in your agreement.
9. Assess the Financial Transparency
Credible developers operate corporate accounts and issue official receipts with company details, not personal names.
Ask For:
Company bank account number.
Official payment receipts.
Breakdown of all charges (survey fee, legal fee, documentation).
Red Flag: Developers requesting cash payments or personal transfers to staff.
10. Investigate Litigation or Land Disputes
Many estates along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor are subjects of litigation between developers and families.
Your lawyer should conduct a court search at the Ogun State High Court to determine if there are ongoing cases involving the estate or its parent company.
Avoid any property under litigation—regardless of price discounts.
11. Confirm Estate Allocation Record
Before paying, ask for the developer’s previous allocation record. A reliable company keeps documented evidence of past allocations—survey plans, allocation letters, and photographs.
Developers who have not successfully allocated land to earlier buyers may be over-promising or selling unverified plots.
12. Evaluate Their Professional Team
Credible developers work with certified professionals:
Registered Surveyors (SURCON licensed).
Property Lawyers (NBA registered).
Town Planners and Engineers.
Ask for their names and registration numbers. Cross-check licenses online or through professional associations.
13. Inspect Environmental and Planning Compliance
Some estates are built in wetlands, flood plains, or high-tension zones.
Ensure the developer has:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval.
Planning Permit from Ogun State Ministry of Environment.
Right-of-Way Clearance for properties near the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Failure to comply can lead to demolition or revocation
14. Watch for Marketing Gimmicks
Many fake developers rely on aggressive marketing to attract buyers:
“Buy one, get one free.”
“Instant allocation upon inspection.”
“Promo ends tomorrow.”
Always verify first. Credible companies don’t rely on pressure tactics—they build trust through transparency.
15. Engage a Property Lawyer Before Payment
This is the most crucial step. No matter how convincing the developer appears, never pay without legal review.
A competent property lawyer will:
Conduct due diligence.
Review contracts and survey plans.
Verify title documents.
Protect you from hidden clauses.
At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in representing buyers, diaspora investors, and corporate clients to ensure safe and profitable property acquisitions in Ogun and Lagos States.
Case Study: Estate Fraud in Mowe
In 2021, over 30 buyers purchased plots from a “popular” developer in Mowe who promised C of O and instant allocation. After two years, buyers discovered the land belonged to the Ogun State government. The developer had only a provisional layout approval, not ownership.
Outcome: With the intervention of Chaman Law Firm, affected buyers petitioned the Ogun State Land Bureau and successfully recovered part of their funds through settlement.
Lesson: Always verify ownership and approvals before payment.
Red Flags That Indicate a Developer Is Not Credible
Unregistered business or absence of CAC documents.
Refusal to show original title documents.
Unrealistic price offers far below market value.
Promises of “free C of O” without government connection.
No evidence of completed projects.
Cash payments only, no corporate receipts.
Pressure to “buy now or lose offer.”
Checklist for Assessing a Developer
| Criteria | What to Verify | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| CAC Registration | RC Number, Legal Name | CAC portal |
| Land Title | Deed, Survey, C of O | Bureau of Lands |
| Layout Approval | Approved plan | Ministry of Physical Planning |
| Past Projects | Completed estates | Site visits |
| Financial Transparency | Company account, receipts | Bank verification |
| Professional Team | Lawyers, Surveyors | License validation |
| Litigation | Pending cases | High Court search |
Use this checklist before signing or transferring funds.
Legal Framework Protecting Property Buyers in Ogun State
Land Use Act, 1978 – Governs ownership and transfers.
Property and Conveyancing Law of Western Nigeria, 1959 – Regulates conveyance.
Ogun State Physical Planning and Urban Development Law, 2019 – Controls estate approvals.
Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Law of Ogun State, 2016 – Criminalizes fraudulent land sales.
Criminal Code Law (Cap 29, 2006) – Penalizes forgery and fraud.
Understanding these laws ensures you know your rights if things go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I know if a developer truly owns the land?
Request the Survey Plan and verify it at the Bureau of Lands through your lawyer.
Q2: Can I buy from a developer without Governor’s Consent?
Yes, but ensure they have Deed of Assignment from the original owner and are in process of obtaining Consent.
Q3: Should I buy land still under excision?
Avoid it unless verified and gazetted; otherwise, it’s under acquisition.
Q4: How do I report fraudulent developers?
Petition the Ogun State Task Force on Land Grabbing or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Q5: What documents should I collect after full payment?
Receipt, Contract of Sale, Deed of Assignment, Survey Plan, and Allocation Letter.
The Role of Chaman Law Firm
At Chaman Law Firm, we help clients:
Verify developers and land titles before purchase.
Conduct legal due diligence and background checks.
Draft and review contracts with protective clauses.
Represent buyers in disputes or refund negotiations.
Secure Governor’s Consent and title registration.
Whether you’re a diaspora investor or a local buyer, we ensure your property purchase is legally safe and financially sound.
Conclusion
Ogun State’s property market is booming—but so is the risk of falling victim to fraudulent estate developers. Every investor must remember that due diligence is not optional; it’s the shield that protects your investment.
A credible developer is transparent, registered, documented, and proven.
A fraudulent one hides behind promises, promotions, and pressure.
The difference between the two could be the difference between profit and loss.
Before you buy, verify every claim, confirm every document, and consult your lawyer.
Call to Action
Are you planning to buy property from an estate developer in Ogun State?
Let professionals guide you before you commit funds.
