How to Acquire and Secure Industrial Land in Ogun State
Introduction
Ogun State is rapidly establishing itself as Nigeria’s industrial powerhouse, attracting manufacturers, logistics firms, real estate developers, and foreign investors. Its strategic location between Lagos and the rest of Southwest Nigeria—combined with affordable land, good infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies—makes it the preferred destination for industrial expansion.
However, acquiring and securing industrial land in Ogun State is not as simple as signing a purchase receipt or handshake agreement. Many investors have lost millions due to unverified lands, encumbrances, poor documentation, and government acquisitions.
To invest safely and profitably, every buyer—whether local, corporate, or diaspora—must follow a clear legal and procedural process that ensures the land is both authentic and secure.
This comprehensive guide by Chaman Law Firm, Nigeria’s leading property and investment legal advisory, explains how to properly acquire and secure industrial land in Ogun State, covering verification, documentation, government approvals, and legal protections.
1. Understanding Industrial Land in Ogun State
Industrial land refers to property designated by the Ogun State Government for manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, or other industrial uses. These lands are often located in areas zoned for industrial activity and equipped with infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water.
Key Industrial Corridors in Ogun State
Agbara Industrial Estate – Home to multinational firms such as Nestlé, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble.
Sagamu Interchange Industrial Zone – The state’s fastest-growing industrial hub with logistics and manufacturing clusters.
Ewekoro Industrial Belt – Known for Dangote Cement and Lafarge Africa.
Abeokuta Industrial Layout – Government-backed industrial area for small and medium industries.
Remo Economic Zone – Near the new Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, offering opportunities for agro-industrial development.
Lusada–Atan Axis – Expansion area for manufacturing and export operations.
These corridors are experiencing massive demand for industrial land, making them lucrative for both investors and developers.
2. Why Invest in Industrial Land in Ogun State
a. Strategic Proximity to Lagos
Ogun shares a border with Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, offering businesses access to major markets and seaports at lower operational costs.
b. Government Industrialization Policy
Ogun State promotes industrial development through Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) and incentives for investors.
c. Affordable Land Cost
Industrial land in Ogun costs between ₦5 million and ₦20 million per acre, compared to ₦60 million–₦100 million in Lagos.
d. Infrastructure Development
Projects such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, and Sagamu Interchange City make Ogun ideal for logistics and industry.
e. High ROI Potential
Properly acquired industrial land appreciates between 80% and 250% within 5–8 years due to rapid industrial and infrastructural growth.
3. Step-by-Step Process of Acquiring Industrial Land in Ogun State
Step 1: Conduct Preliminary Due Diligence
Before you pay any money or sign any documents, verify the ownership and status of the land.
Key Actions
Visit the land physically.
Confirm it is free from government acquisition or encumbrance.
Obtain the Survey Plan and check coordinates at the Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey.
Engage a property lawyer and a licensed surveyor to verify authenticity.
Tip: Avoid lands sold with only “family receipts.” Authentic industrial land must have traceable ownership and documentation.
Step 2: Confirm Zoning and Land Use Classification
Not all land in Ogun can be used for industrial purposes. The Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development designates land use through layout approvals and zoning maps.
How to Verify
Request the approved layout or master plan for the area.
Confirm it is zoned as industrial or mixed-use industrial.
Avoid residentially zoned areas unless you intend to apply for land use change.
Legal Reference:
Ogun State Physical Planning and Urban Development Law, 2019.
Step 3: Verify Ownership Documents
Ask the seller or developer for complete title documents and ensure they are genuine and registered.
Key Documents to Request
Survey Plan (registered and verified by the Surveyor-General’s Office).
Deed of Assignment or Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Governor’s Consent (if ownership has changed).
Tax Clearance and Receipts for land dues.
Company Incorporation Documents (if seller is a corporate body).
Red Flags:
Inconsistent land size on survey.
Unclear ownership chain.
“Excision in process” or “C of O coming soon” claims.
Step 4: Conduct Legal and Physical Searches
Your lawyer should conduct both legal and physical searches before payment.
Legal Search Locations
Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey – to confirm acquisition status.
Ministry of Physical Planning – to check zoning.
High Court Registry – to check for litigation or caveats.
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) – to confirm developer registration.
Physical Verification
Inspect beacons, coordinates, and neighboring developments.
Interview local residents about ownership history.
Step 5: Negotiate and Sign a Legal Contract
Once verification is complete, negotiate terms with the seller and sign a Sale Agreement or Deed of Assignment.
Essential Clauses
Purchase price and payment schedule.
Description and size of land.
Parties’ full legal identities.
Ownership transfer date.
Dispute resolution and governing law.
Refund terms (if applicable).
The agreement must be drafted and witnessed by lawyers representing both parties.
Step 6: Obtain Governor’s Consent
Under the Land Use Act, 1978, no land transaction in Ogun is valid without the Governor’s Consent.
Application Process
Submit the executed Deed of Assignment and Survey Plan.
Pay statutory fees: consent, stamp duty, and registration.
Obtain consent letter signed by the Governor.
Legal Effect:
Governor’s Consent validates ownership and prevents future disputes.
Step 7: Register the Land at the Bureau of Lands
Registration secures your legal ownership in Ogun State’s land records.
Benefits of Registration
Provides official proof of ownership.
Prevents double sales or encroachment.
Allows you to use the land as collateral for financing.
Step 8: Obtain Industrial Development Approvals
Before construction, apply for:
Layout and Site Plan Approval.
Building Permit from the Ogun State Building Control Agency (OGPPUDA).
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Ministry of Environment.
This ensures compliance with Ogun’s industrial development standards.
Step 9: Secure the Land Physically
Many investors lose land due to neglect or trespass.
To secure your industrial land:
Fence and gate the property immediately.
Install “No Trespassing” and ownership signboards.
Hire local security or community guards.
Obtain a Court Affidavit of Possession if necessary.
4. Legal Risks to Avoid When Buying Industrial Land
Buying Government-Acquired Land: May result in demolition or revocation.
Unregistered Deeds: Cannot be enforced in court.
Purchasing from Unverified Developers: Common cause of fraud.
Failure to Obtain Governor’s Consent: Makes ownership incomplete.
Boundary Disputes: Occur due to poor surveys or overlapping estates.
Non-Compliance with Zoning Laws: Can lead to demolition or fines.
5. Role of the Ogun State Government in Industrial Land Allocation
The Ogun State Government offers direct industrial land allocation through:
Ogun State Property & Investment Corporation (OPIC).
Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey.
Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest).
Investors can apply for industrial plots or long-term leases in government-approved estates like:
Agbara Industrial Layout.
OPIC Isheri Industrial Estate.
Sagamu Interchange Industrial Park.
Iperu–Remo Gateway Economic Zone.
These government-backed estates offer better documentation and infrastructure reliability.
6. Case Study: Dangote Cement Plant in Ewekoro
The Dangote Group’s successful expansion in Ewekoro demonstrates the value of proper legal and procedural compliance.
Steps Taken by Dangote Group
Conducted environmental assessments.
Secured government allocation through OgunInvest.
Obtained Governor’s Consent and industrial permits.
Developed infrastructure aligned with regulatory requirements.
Result:
Zero land dispute, legal protection, and full operational rights.
Lesson:
Following due process guarantees security and peace of mind.
7. Securing Your Investment Legally
To ensure your industrial land remains safe and legally protected, take the following measures:
a. Register a Caveat
File a Caveat at the Land Registry to prevent unauthorized sale or duplication.
b. Perfect the Title
Complete registration and obtain a Registered Deed of Assignment and Governor’s Consent.
c. Maintain Physical Possession
Fence the property, install signage, and engage periodic inspection.
d. Pay Ground Rent and Land Use Charges
Stay compliant to avoid revocation of rights of occupancy.
e. Obtain Insurance Coverage
Industrial properties should be insured against fire, damage, or force majeure.
8. Joint Venture Options for Industrial Landowners
If you already own land in Ogun but lack funds for development, you can partner with developers through a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA).
Types of JVA
Build-and-Share Model: Developer constructs, and profit or units are shared.
Lease-and-Operate: Developer leases land and pays rent or profit share.
Equity Partnership: Both contribute capital and share ownership.
Your lawyer must draft and register the JVA to prevent disputes.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can foreigners or diaspora Nigerians buy industrial land in Ogun State?
Yes. They can acquire land legally through approved processes, using a Power of Attorney and registered legal representatives.
Q2: What is the safest way to buy industrial land in Ogun?
Work through reputable developers or government agencies, and engage a property lawyer for verification and documentation.
Q3: Can I buy family-owned industrial land?
Yes, but ensure all principal family members sign the Deed of Assignment and that the land is zoned industrial.
Q4: How long does it take to obtain Governor’s Consent?
Typically between 60–120 days, depending on document completeness.
Q5: What is the lifespan of a C of O in Ogun State?
A Certificate of Occupancy is valid for 99 years, renewable upon expiration.
10. The Role of Chaman Law Firm
At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in helping investors, corporations, and landowners legally acquire and secure industrial properties in Ogun State. Our services include:
Land verification and title search.
Due diligence at the Bureau of Lands and Survey.
Drafting and registration of Deeds and Joint Venture Agreements.
Governor’s Consent processing.
Legal representation in land disputes.
Advisory for corporate and diaspora investors.
We ensure your investment is legally solid, fully compliant, and immune from encroachment or litigation.
11. Conclusion
Ogun State is Nigeria’s industrial frontier, offering unparalleled opportunities for real estate and manufacturing investors. However, success depends not only on spotting opportunities but on acquiring land legally and securing it permanently.
The difference between profit and loss in industrial real estate lies in due diligence, documentation, and professional legal guidance.
At Chaman Law Firm, we combine legal expertise, market knowledge, and government compliance support to help clients acquire, develop, and secure industrial lands with total peace of mind.
Call to Action
Are you planning to acquire or develop industrial land in Ogun State?
Let us help you verify, document, and secure your investment legally.
