Real Estate Legal Advice in Nigeria
Introduction
Nigeria’s real estate sector is booming, yet legal complexities persist. An estimated 65% of Nigerian civil cases involve land disputes—a striking indicator of the risks property owners face. That’s why reliable real estate legal advice in Nigeria is essential. At Chaman Law Firm, we combine thorough due diligence, fraud prevention, and expert dispute resolution to protect client investments.
Scope of Services
Chaman Law Firm provides comprehensive legal services in:
- Title Verification: Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) checks, Land Use Act 1978 compliance, Governor’s Consent verification.
- Contract Services: Drafting and reviewing sales, lease, joint-venture, and development agreements.
- Zoning & Environmental Compliance: Ensuring adherence to NESREA standards and local regulations.
- Boundary & Title Disputes: Resolving encroachments and title conflicts effectively.
- Landlord–Tenant Issues: Handling eviction, rent default, and lease breach cases.
- Dispute Resolution: Mediation, arbitration under the 2023 AMA, and High Court litigation.
Step 1: Title & Document Verification
Before any transaction, we verify:
- Registration status and validity of land documents
- Governor’s Consent—mandatory for sales, leases, and mortgages
- Survey accuracy by licensed professionals
- Existence of caveats, encumbrances, or disputes
This foundational step significantly reduces fraud risk and future disputes.
Step 2: Early Engagement of Professionals
We collaborate with local surveyors, realtors, and finance experts early to:
- Confirm market pricing
- Ensure proper subdivision or zoning compliance
- Detect title irregularities, overlaps, or communal claims
This coordinated approach minimizes exposure to unforeseen legal issues.
Step 3: ADR vs Litigation
Nigeria’s Arbitration & Mediation Act 2023 introduces streamlined ADR processes, including mediation and arbitration aligned with international standards.
| Method | Duration | Cost | Privacy | Outcome Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Litigation | 3–5 years | High | Public | Binding court judgment |
| Mediation | Weeks–Months | Moderate | Private | Non-binding consensus |
| Arbitration | Months–1 year | Moderate–High | Private | Binding award |
ADR allows confidential resolution with faster closure, while litigation remains vital for unresolved or high-stakes disputes.
Highlights: Arbitration & Mediation Act 2023
- Automatic court stay if ADR clause exists
- Emergency arbitrator and interim relief provisions
- Third-party funding explicitly allowed
- Award Review Tribunal for appeals within the ADR process
- Recognition of digital communications and cross-border awards via the Singapore Convention
This legislative update empowers clients to resolve disputes more effectively.
Environmental & Zoning Compliance
The National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) enforces environmental laws—most recently in June 2025 when it shut down 25 non-compliant projects across Anambra, Enugu, Bayelsa, and Rivers for missing EIAs, audits, or effluent systems :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. We counsel developers early to ensure project viability.
Urbanization & Land Degradation Risks
Urban sprawl over erosion-prone areas, especially in Southeast Nigeria, often results in structural risks and legal liabilities. We ensure developers comply with setback regulations, erosion-control codes, and environmental safety requirements to prevent enforcement actions or project reversals.
Dual Land Tenure: Statutory vs Customary
Nigeria recognises both statutory rights under the Land Use Act and customary communal tenure. Conflicts arise where titles and consent processes diverge. We manage this complexity by ensuring proper engagement and documentation under both systems—avoiding litigation and communal backlash :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Selected Corporate Legal Cases
2022 – ₦950m Arbitration Victory: Represented a multinational manufacturing client in Lagos Court of Arbitration, resolving a supply contract dispute through binding award.
2023 – Multi-Sector Corporate Restructuring: Led entity separation, CAC filings, tax re-alignment, and governance setup for a diversified business group.
Client Feedback
“Chaman Law Firm gave me peace of mind throughout my property acquisition.” – Chuka N., Lagos
“Handled our debt recovery and property transaction with precision.” – Aisha B., Abuja
Dispute Prevention Strategies
To minimise future disputes, we recommend:
- Maintaining verified land documents, including C of O and Governor’s Consent
- Engaging ADR clauses in all contracts
- Revalidating survey data post-subdivision
- Securing professional indemnity insurance
- Staying current with changes in real estate law and regulations
Why Clients Choose Us
- Proven track record in title recovery and dispute resolution
- Technology-driven service: virtual briefings and secure document platforms
- Nationwide coverage, including remote support for diaspora investors
- Multidisciplinary team: legal, surveying, environmental, ADR, and compliance experts
- Ethical foundation rooted in integrity, professional values, and client care
Conclusion
Navigating Nigeria’s real estate landscape demands strong legal strategies—from verifying titles and environmental checks to ADR and litigation. Chaman Law Firm ensures your property investments are secure, supported, and dispute-ready.
Contact Us
Chaman Law Firm
Property & Commercial Law Specialists Across Nigeria
📍 Chaman Law Firm
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos
📞 0806 555 3671
📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com