Safe Ways to Buy Land in Nigeria from Abroad
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
For many Nigerians in the diaspora, buying land back home is more than an investment — it’s a legacy. Yet, too many fall victim to scams, double allocations, or fake land titles because they depend on unverified agents or relatives.
If you’re living abroad and planning to buy land in Nigeria, there are safe, verified systems to ensure your money, documents, and investment are fully protected. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Work Only with Verified Real Estate Companies
The most secure route for diaspora buyers is to purchase land through registered and reputable real estate firms — not individuals.A credible company like Zikan Prop Solutions provides:
Verified properties with complete documentation.
Transparent pricing and official receipts.
Virtual property tours and drone inspections.
Legal and title verification before payment.
Always confirm that the company is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and that its developments are backed by verifiable land titles such as a C of O or Governor’s Consent.
2. Conduct Independent Land Verification
Even if a company is reputable, you must verify the land title and coordinates independently.
Here’s what to check:
Survey Plan: Confirms the exact land location and ownership.
Land Title Document: (C of O, Governor’s Consent, Deed of Assignment).
Land Registry Search: Conducted at the State Ministry of Lands.
Zoning and Acquisition Check: Ensures land is not under government acquisition.
You can authorize a Nigerian lawyer or consultant to handle this verification on your behalf. Zikan Prop Solutions helps diaspora investors confirm authenticity directly with the government before they commit any funds.
3. Avoid Buying “Family Land” or “Village Land”
While prices may look attractive, these are high-risk purchases. Family-owned lands often have unclear ownership structures and multiple claimants, which can lead to disputes years later.
Stick to estate lands or corporate-owned plots that have verified legal titles and clear boundaries.
4. Never Send Money to Personal Accounts
This is one of the biggest mistakes diaspora investors make.Always ensure payments go to:
The company’s official business account, not a staff member’s personal account.
An escrow or legal account, where funds are released only after documentation is verified.
Zikan Prop Solutions uses secured payment systems that allow clients to fund property transactions safely from abroad.
5. Request a Purchase Agreement and Receipt
A legitimate real estate company will always issue:
An offer letter detailing your plot and terms.
A sales agreement signed by both parties.
An official receipt and acknowledgment of payment.
These documents are crucial for legal proof of purchase and for transferring ownership to your name.
6. Use Technology to Bridge Distance
You don’t need to be physically present to buy land anymore.With virtual inspections, digital signatures, and document scans, you can:
View properties via WhatsApp or Zoom.
Sign agreements electronically.
Receive couriered hard copies of your documents abroad.
Zikan Prop Solutions offers end-to-end digital transactions so you can invest confidently without boarding a flight.
7. Appoint a Trusted Representative
If you must have someone represent you locally, ensure they have a notarized Power of Attorney (POA). This legal document gives them permission to sign documents and act on your behalf in property matters — and it’s recognized by law.
8. Confirm Land Development Plans
Before finalizing the deal, confirm:
The layout plan and infrastructure schedule (roads, drainage, electricity).
The estate’s development timeline and your expected ROI.
These determine how quickly the land appreciates and how soon you can resell or build.
9. Secure Your Title Immediately After Purchase
Don’t delay title transfer. Once payment is complete:
Process your Deed of Assignment.
Register it at the Land Registry.
Obtain your Survey Plan and ensure your plot is fenced and clearly marked.
This prevents land grabbing or encroachment while you’re abroad.
10. Keep All Documents Digitally Backed Up
Scan every document — survey plan, deed, receipts, correspondence — and store them in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).You’ll have permanent access and can easily share them with your lawyer or property manager.
Final Thought
Buying land from abroad doesn’t have to be risky. With verified developers, transparent documentation, and professional guidance, Nigerians in the diaspora can invest safely and profitably in the country’s booming real estate market.
Zikan Prop Solutions helps diaspora investors acquire verified land in Lagos, Abuja, and other emerging cities — safely, transparently, and 100% remotely.
🏢 Zikan Prop Solutions
🥇 Certified Real Estate Consultant | Multi Award-Winning Realtor
Helping you make the best real estate purchase & investment decisions.
📱 +234 703 000 3514
📲 IG: @zikanpropsolutions
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