Business
Responses That Should Turn You Off While Doing Due Diligence in Nigeria’s Real Estate By Dennis Isong
Responses That Should Turn You Off While Doing Due Diligence in Nigeria’s Real Estate
By Dennis Isong
Let me share a story. A painful one.
In November 2023, I met Chika, a young entrepreneur full of ambition. She had saved for three years to buy her first plot of land in Lagos. She dreamed of building her own bakery there someday—a dream she’d nurtured since childhood.
Chika found a seller through a friend’s recommendation. The location seemed perfect, and the price was “a steal.” When she began asking basic questions during due diligence, the seller’s responses were… strange.
When she asked about the land’s title, the seller waved her off. “Ah, no need to stress yourself. Trust me, this land is clean!” he said, flashing a reassuring smile. When she pressed further, he added, “See, other buyers are waiting. If you waste time, someone else will grab it!”
Against her better judgment, Chika paid. The fear of missing out overpowered her. Months later, she discovered that the land was already sold to two other buyers. Her N3 million vanished. Her bakery dream was shattered.
She sat in my office, teary-eyed, asking, “Dennis, why didn’t I see the red flags? How could I have been so blind?”
Her story is a painful reminder that some responses during due diligence are major red flags. If you hear any of the following phrases or behaviors, it’s time to step back and protect yourself.
1. “Don’t Worry, the Land is Clean”
Whenever a seller or agent says, “Don’t worry, trust me,” without providing proof, you should immediately worry. In Nigeria’s real estate market, trust is earned, not assumed.
A land being “clean” means it is free of disputes, government acquisition, or other issues. If the seller refuses to provide documents like the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, or Survey Plan, it’s a glaring warning sign.
What they’re really saying is, “I have something to hide, and I don’t want you to find out.”
2. “You Don’t Need a Lawyer”
Ah, this one. Many shady sellers will try to convince you that involving a lawyer is unnecessary. They’ll say things like:
“I’ve done this for years; lawyers just want to collect your money.”
“You’ll waste time if you involve a lawyer.”
This is manipulation, plain and simple. A lawyer ensures that all documents are valid and protects you from legal pitfalls. If someone discourages you from hiring a lawyer, it’s a sign they’re trying to cut corners—and possibly scam you.
3. “The Price Will Increase Tomorrow”
Pressure tactics are a classic move in real estate fraud. When a seller tells you, “Other buyers are waiting,” or “If you don’t pay today, the price will go up tomorrow,” it’s often a ploy to rush you into making a hasty decision.
Think about it: Why would a genuine seller rush you? Good land doesn’t sell itself in one day, especially when proper documentation is involved. If they’re pushing you to act fast, it’s likely because they don’t want you to uncover the truth.
4. “I’ll Handle All the Documents for You”
While it may sound convenient, a seller offering to handle all documentation should raise your suspicions. Why don’t they want you to see the process?
Here’s the truth: handling documentation gives you control and ensures transparency. If you blindly trust a seller to “take care of it all,” you might end up with fake or incomplete papers.
5. “It’s Family Land; We Don’t Have Titles Yet
In Nigeria, many disputes arise from “family land.” Sellers often claim they inherited the land and don’t have titles yet but promise to “regularize” the documents after you pay.
This is risky. Without proper titles, you could be buying into a web of family disputes. If they can’t produce a clear document, walk away.
6. “You Don’t Need to Inspect the Land”
Imagine paying for land you’ve never seen. Unbelievable, right? Yet, it happens more often than you think. Some sellers will discourage you from inspecting the property by saying:
“The land is far; I’ll show you pictures.”
“The area is still developing, but it’s a good investment.”
Never buy land without seeing it yourself—or better still, with a professional surveyor. Pictures can be deceiving, and some sellers will show you land that doesn’t even exist.
7. “Don’t Involve the Community”
In many parts of Nigeria, land transactions involve local communities or traditional rulers. Some sellers, however, will warn you not to speak to the community, saying:
“They’ll confuse you.”
“The land doesn’t concern them.”
This is a major red flag. Communities often have valuable information about the land, including its history, disputes, or encumbrances. If a seller is trying to cut them out of the process, something is likely wrong.
8. “The Survey Plan is With Someone Else”
The survey plan is a crucial document that shows the exact location and size of the land. If a seller says it’s “with someone else” or promises to provide it after payment, be careful.
How can you verify what you’re buying without a survey plan? This excuse often hides fraudulent intentions.
9. “Don’t Worry About a Search; It’s Stressful”
Conducting a search at the land registry is one of the most critical steps in due diligence. It confirms whether the land has a valid title and is free from disputes.
If a seller tells you not to bother, they’re trying to hide something. The search process might take time, but it’s worth every second.
10. “Just Trust Me”
Finally, the ultimate red flag is when a seller relies solely on trust without offering proof. Real estate is a business transaction, not a friendship. Trust is good, but documents are better.
How to Protect Yourself
Ask Questions: Don’t feel intimidated. Ask for every document—C of O, Deed of Assignment, Survey Plan, and any other relevant papers.
Hire a Professional: Get a lawyer, surveyor, or real estate expert to guide you.
Do a Search: Visit the land registry to verify the property’s status.
Visit the Land: Inspect the property yourself to confirm its existence and condition.
Involve the Community: Speak to locals to understand the land’s history and avoid disputes.
Final Thoughts
Chika’s story—and countless others like it—reminds us of one thing: due diligence is not negotiable. If a seller’s responses sound suspicious or dismissive, take a step back. It’s better to miss out on a deal than to lose your hard-earned money.
In Nigeria’s real estate market, red flags are everywhere. Your job is to spot them, avoid them, and protect your investment. Don’t let pressure or promises cloud your judgment. Always remember: it’s better to walk away than to walk into trouble.
Your investment deserves protection. Don’t rush. Don’t assume. Verify everything.
Written by Dennis Isong, your trusted partner in Nigeria’s real estate market. Let’s guide you to safe and profitable property investments.
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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