Business
Avoiding Legal Problems: The Importance of Due Diligence Before Buying Property in Nigeria
Avoiding Legal Problems: The Importance of Due Diligence Before Buying Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong
Consider Tunde’s story. Tunde, a hopeful investor, trusted in promises and skipped due diligence. He ended up with land under government acquisition, facing the bitter consequences of a hasty decision. His story echoes through the real estate market, serving as a cautionary tale to those who believe shortcuts are harmless.
As a realtor with years of experience, I’ve seen many lessons in real estate, and Tunde’s story is one of them.
In September 2020, Tunde reached out to me after reading one of my articles. He was thrilled about buying land in Folu Ise village, Ibeju-Lekki, because it was very cheap—just around N300,000. I advised him to verify the land’s documents to ensure it wasn’t under government acquisition. However, because the real estate company behind the deal was popular, Tunde chose to trust them and rushed into the purchase.
Later, Tunde found out the land was under government acquisition and couldn’t be used. He lost a significant amount of money and learned a painful lesson. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated case—many investors who bought land in that location around that time have faced similar losses.
This is why working with an experienced and thorough realtor is crucial. I ensure my clients avoid these pitfalls and make secure, informed investments.
It’s a humid afternoon in Lagos, and you’re sitting across from a beaming seller at a bustling cafe. He’s selling you a dream—a piece of land in a prime location, promising high returns and a secure future. The deal seems too good to pass up. Excited by the possibilities, you shake hands, exchange money, and leave with a sense of accomplishment.
But what happens next?
Months down the line, reality hits hard. You receive a letter from a government agency claiming ownership of the land. The seller has disappeared, and your dreams of building a home or starting a business are shattered. The money you invested seems irretrievable, and legal battles loom ominously on the horizon. The regret sinks in—why didn’t you verify everything before signing the dotted line?
Skipping due diligence before buying property in Nigeria can lead to devastating legal problems. It’s not just about securing a good deal; it’s about protecting your investment, your future, and your peace of mind.
The Heartbreak of Legal Issues
Imagine the emotional turmoil of realizing that the property you thought was yours is entangled in legal disputes. The stress of navigating complex legal systems, the financial burden of legal fees, and the uncertainty of the outcome can weigh heavily on anyone. It’s a scenario that no one wants to experience, yet many unwitting buyers find themselves in precisely this predicament.
Consider Tunde’s story. Tunde, a hopeful investor, trusted in promises and skipped due diligence. He ended up with land under government acquisition, facing the bitter consequences of a hasty decision. His story echoes through the real estate market, serving as a cautionary tale to those who believe shortcuts are harmless.
Why Due Diligence Matters
Due diligence isn’t just a formality—it’s your shield against potential disasters. Here’s why taking the time to investigate before buying property in Nigeria is crucial:
1. Verifying Ownership and Title
The first step in due diligence is confirming that the seller has legal ownership of the property and can transfer that ownership to you. In Nigeria, where land ownership can be contentious and documentation irregular, verifying the title is non-negotiable. Without this step, you risk buying property that someone else may claim as theirs, leading to legal battles that could tie up your investment indefinitely.
2. Uncovering Hidden Liabilities
Properties can come with hidden liabilities such as unpaid taxes, mortgages, or pending litigation. Without due diligence, you might inherit these financial burdens along with the property. Imagine buying what seems like a lucrative plot of land, only to discover hefty tax bills or unresolved disputes that threaten your financial stability.
3. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations
Local regulations, zoning laws, environmental restrictions—these are just some of the regulatory aspects that can affect your property’s use and value. Ignoring these factors can result in penalties, restrictions on development, or even demolition orders. Due diligence ensures that the property you intend to buy aligns with your plans and complies with all legal requirements.
4. Assessing Market Value
A property’s market value isn’t always what it seems. Sellers may inflate prices, especially in high-demand areas or emerging markets. By conducting due diligence, including market analysis and comparative valuations, you can negotiate from a position of knowledge. Knowing the true value protects you from overpaying and ensures that your investment is financially sound.
5. Protecting Your Peace of Mind
Investing in real estate should be exciting, not anxiety-inducing. Proper due diligence provides peace of mind, knowing that you’ve done everything possible to safeguard your investment. It’s about making informed decisions rather than taking blind risks, ensuring that your property purchase is a step towards your goals, not a leap into uncertainty.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of real estate investment in Nigeria, due diligence isn’t just advisable—it’s essential. It’s the difference between a successful transaction and a costly mistake. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, taking the time to verify, investigate, and confirm every aspect of a property before purchase is a prudent decision that can save you from heartache and financial ruin.
So, before you sign that contract or transfer that payment, ask yourself: Have I done my due diligence? The answer could make all the difference in your real estate journey.
Written by Dennis Isong, your trusted advisor in Nigeria’s real estate market. Let’s ensure your next investment is a smart and secure one.
STOP LOSING MONEY IN LAGOS REAL ESTATE! Learn How to Protect Your Investment Today.
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Your future deserves the assurance of due diligence.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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