How Do I Send Funds Safely for Land Purchase in Ogun?
Introduction
Purchasing land in Ogun State from overseas is an exciting venture. Whether you’re buying your first plot, investing in a real estate development, or acquiring ancestral land, one of the most critical aspects of the transaction is how you send money safely.
For Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign investors, the fear of fraud, untraceable payments, or unauthorized withdrawals is real. Sending large sums of money back home can make you vulnerable to scams, poor documentation, or dishonest middlemen.
This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to safely transfer funds for land purchases in Ogun State. We’ll explore:
Trusted payment channels,
Legal protections,
Avoiding fraud,
Currency and banking considerations,
And best practices for peace of mind.
If you’re preparing to buy land remotely, this is the guide you need.
Why Fund Transfer Safety Matters in Land Transactions
When it comes to buying land in Ogun—or anywhere—money is where most scams happen. Once funds leave your account:
Can they be traced?
Was the payment authorized?
Can it be reversed if something goes wrong?
Who receives the funds?
Is there any legal documentation tied to that payment?
Sending money, the wrong way can lead to irreversible loss, title disputes, and legal complications. That’s why knowing how to send funds safely is crucial.
Seven Safe Methods to Send Funds for Land Purchase in Ogun
1. Bank Transfers via Nigerian Commercial Banks
This is the most recommended method—direct bank transfer to the developer’s or seller’s corporate account.
Pros:
Verifiable and traceable.
Easy to request bank statements and receipts.
Legitimate companies and lawyers will always provide bank details.
Tips:
Avoid sending money to personal accounts, especially if you’re dealing with a registered company.
Always confirm account names match the seller’s or company’s official name.
2. Use Escrow Services (Highly Recommended)
Real estate escrow services are third-party platforms that hold your money securely until all contractual conditions are met.
How It Works:
Buyer sends money to an escrow account.
Seller only receives funds once land title verification and documentation are confirmed.
If something goes wrong, funds are returned.
Escrow Providers in Nigeria:
Paystack Business Escrow
SecurePay NG
Private lawyers offering escrow arrangements
Some trusted developers offer built-in escrow protections.
Pros:
Protects both buyer and seller.
Ensures documentation is completed before money is released.
3. Lawyer-Managed Client Accounts
When appointing a lawyer via Power of Attorney, you can send money to a client trust account they manage for you.
Benefits:
Funds are only used after your written instructions.
You get legal documentation of all transactions.
Requirements:
Use only registered legal firms in Nigeria.
Request a formal retainer agreement.
Keep records of every transaction and instruction.
4. Remittance Companies with Real Estate Integration
Some diaspora-focused remittance services now offer direct property payment services:
Examples:
Sendwave, Remitly, WorldRemit – Some of these have partnerships with developers or banks.
Flutterwave for Business – Offers merchant payment support for registered companies.
Tips:
Always confirm the recipient business is verified.
Avoid third-party personal transfers via these apps.
5. Pay Through Developers’ Secure Portals
Many modern estate developers in Ogun offer digital platforms with secure payment gateways (e.g., Paystack, Interswitch).
Before you pay:
Make sure you’re on the official website (not a cloned site).
Ensure the business name matches the developer you’re working with.
Ask for a proforma invoice or payment request letter.
6. Cryptocurrency (Caution Advised)
While not widely used, some developers now accept USDT or stablecoins from diaspora clients. However:
Warning:
Crypto payments are irreversible.
Only use if you have written agreements, legal cover, and are dealing with highly trusted developers.
Best used for part payments or token deposits — not full transfers.
7. SWIFT Transfer to Nigerian Banks (For Large Transactions)
If you’re paying over $10,000 or more, a SWIFT transfer from your bank abroad to a Nigerian commercial bank (e.g., GTBank, Zenith, UBA) may be required.
Documents You’ll Likely Need:
Sales Agreement
Property invoice
Beneficiary bank details
Purpose of funds (stated clearly)
Tip: Use your bank’s foreign remittance department to ensure compliance.
Best Practices to Protect Your Funds
Never Pay Without Documentation
Always demand a Sales Agreement or Offer Letter before payment.
Use contracts reviewed by a lawyer.
Ensure the seller’s or developer’s RC Number (Company Registration) is included.
Confirm Ownership & Title BEFORE You Pay
Conduct land verification with the Ogun State Land Registry.
Confirm survey plans, title documents (C of O, Deed, Gazette, etc.).
Your lawyer should complete due diligence before any funds are sent.
Appoint a Legal Representative
Use a Power of Attorney to allow a lawyer to manage the transaction.
Let the lawyer handle payments or approve them only after verification.
Always Collect These After Payment:
Official Receipt
Payment Acknowledgement Letter
Signed Deed of Assignment (or contract)
Updated Survey (if provided)
Copies of all verification documents
Tips for Diaspora Buyers
Break payments into tranches: Only release more funds when specific milestones (e.g., land inspection, title verification) are completed.
Keep all receipts and transaction records.
Involve your family or trusted representative in Nigeria to physically inspect or validate progress.
Avoid cash transactions through informal agents, relatives, or friends without a paper trail.
What If You Get Scammed?
Report to the EFCC or Police
Use your payment trail as evidence.
Contact the Nigerian Bar Association
If a lawyer was involved unethically.
Engage Another Lawyer to Sue
You can recover funds or land if properly documented.
Case Study: How Bola Avoided Losing ₦12M
Bola, a Nigerian in the U.K., wanted to buy 3 plots in Mowe. The seller insisted on sending money to a personal account. Bola refused and instead:
Hired a local lawyer.
Created a Power of Attorney.
Used escrow to hold her ₦12 million until the land title was verified.
The seller turned out to be fake — Bola’s money was never released.
Thanks to the right process, she avoided losing her hard-earned funds.
Final Thoughts
Sending funds for land purchase in Ogun doesn’t have to be stressful or risky. With proper safeguards in place, you can protect yourself from fraud, enforce your legal rights, and enjoy a seamless transaction — even from abroad.
Always verify, always document, and never rush into payment.
Call to Action
Are you a diaspora buyer looking to purchase land in Ogun State?
Avoid costly mistakes — let us connect you with trusted lawyers, verified developers, and secure payment channels.
Your money deserves protection. Your land deserves verification. Your peace of mind is our priority.