[30 October 2026]
Most bad land deals in Nigeria follow a few familiar patterns: the same plot sold to two people, a title that does not exist, or family land-owners (omo-onile) demanding new payments after you buy. Each can be avoided with a few checks.
Inspect the land yourself
Never buy land you have not seen, in person or on a live video call. Walk the plot, check the road access, and look at the beacons. If the seller cannot show you the exact plot, stop.
Ask who surveyed it
A surveyed plot has beacons on the ground and a plan on paper that match. Ask for the survey plan and compare it with what you see. Pace surveys every plot it sells, so the boundaries are fixed before the sale.
Know who you are buying from
Buy from a registered company with an office you can visit. Check its CAC registration number (Pace's is RC 7362467) and ask for the estate's title status in writing.
Be careful with roadside agents and sellers who only meet you on site.
Pay the right account, the right way
Pay only into the company's corporate account, never into a staff member's personal account and never because of a message in your DMs. Call the company's published number to confirm the account before you transfer, and get a receipt every time.
Settle omo-onile questions upfront
Ask the developer directly whether there are any outstanding claims or charges from family land-owners, and get the answer in writing. On Pace estates, buyers deal with Pace only.
The short version
Before you pay, make sure every answer is yes:
- I have inspected the exact plot.
- The plot is surveyed and I will get a survey plan.
- I am buying from a registered company I can visit.
- I am paying into the company's account, confirmed by phone.
- I know which documents I will receive, and when.
