Why Title Verification Matters
Nigeria's land market is rich with opportunity — and historically burdened by documentation gaps, double sales and fraudulent titles. Before any plot reaches Land Àjọ members, it passes through a rigorous independent verification process. Our goal is simple: you should never have to take our word for it. Every plot has a paper trail.
Our Verification Process
Every plot listed on Land Àjọ is independently assessed through the following stages:
- Stage 1 — Source check: We confirm the vendor's ownership chain, tracing title back to the original allocation or registered owner.
- Stage 2 — Registry search: We conduct a formal search at the relevant land registry (e.g. FCT Abuja Geographic Information Systems, AGIS) to confirm no adverse entry, encumbrance or court order exists against the land.
- Stage 3 — Survey confirmation: A licensed surveyor confirms the plot's coordinates, beaconing and that boundaries match the registered survey plan.
- Stage 4 — Physical inspection: Our field team visits the site to confirm the plot is accessible, correctly beaconed and free of undisclosed occupants or encroachments.
- Stage 5 — Legal review: Our legal counsel reviews all documents and issues a written title opinion before any plot is listed.
Documents We Check
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor's Consent
- Deed of Assignment (for leasehold or assignment transactions)
- Survey plan (with registered surveyor's stamp and FCT/AGIS or relevant state number)
- Land Bureau or State Land Registry search report
- Tax clearance confirming no outstanding land charges
- Estate development approvals where applicable
What Happens If Issues Are Found
If any stage reveals a defect — an unresolved encumbrance, a boundary dispute, a missing document or an adverse registry entry — the plot is removed from the pipeline immediately. It will not be listed until the defect is fully resolved and the five-stage process is repeated.
Vendors are not informed of our search results in advance. Our verification team operates independently of the sales process.
Your Assurance
When you join a Land Àjọ instalment plan:
- The title verification report for your specific plot is available to you upon request at any point during your plan.
- Your instalment payments are applied only to that specific plot and survey plan — never pooled or redirected.
- Upon plan completion, Land Àjọ initiates title registration in your name at the relevant State Land Registry.
- All statutory registration and stamp-duty costs are included in your plan price unless stated otherwise.
Limitations & Honest Caveats
Title verification eliminates known risks — it cannot eliminate all future risks. By law, land rights in Nigeria are also subject to state authority and compulsory acquisition powers, which apply regardless of title status. We advise all members to retain their own legal counsel before committing to any significant land purchase.
Our verification is conducted in good faith based on the documents and searches available at the time. We do not guarantee that undisclosed third-party claims that do not appear in any registry search will never surface. In the event of a post-listing defect discovered through no fault of yours, Land Àjọ will work to resolve the matter and protect your investment.
Common Questions
Can I see the title documents before joining a plan?
Yes. A summary of the verification report is available for every listed plot. Contact hello@landajo.ng to request the full documentation for a specific plot.
What type of title do most plots carry?
Most plots on Land Àjọ carry a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or are governed by a registered Governor's Consent — the two strongest forms of land title in Nigeria under the Land Use Act 1978.
Is the title registered in my name during the plan?
No. Title remains with Land Àjọ or its trust structure until all payments are complete. Your rights during the plan are contractual. Upon completion, title is transferred and registered in your name.
Questions
For documentation requests or verification enquiries, contact:
titles@landajo.ng or visit our Contact page.