How to Verify Land Title in AbujaBefore You Buy

Many property disputes in the Federal Capital Territory start the same way: a buyer pays for land before confirming that the seller has a good title to sell. A few careful checks, done in the right order, prevent most of these problems.

Ask for the title documents

Start by asking the seller for copies of every document that supports their claim to the land. In Abuja this will usually include some of the following:

• Certificate of Occupancy or Right of Occupancy
• Deed of Assignment, if the seller bought from someone else
• Survey plan showing the plot boundaries and coordinates
• Evidence of payment of ground rent and other statutory charges

Copies are enough at this stage. Do not pay a deposit to see them.

Search at AGIS

Land in the FCT is administered through the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS). A search there confirms who the records show as the holder of the plot, whether the documents you were shown match the official record, and whether anything is registered against the land, such as a mortgage or caveat.

If the name on the official record does not match the person selling to you, stop and take advice before going any further.

Verify the seller

Confirm the identity of the seller and their authority to sell. Where the seller is a company, check its status and the authority of the person signing. Where the seller is acting under a power of attorney, confirm the power is valid and covers the sale.

Inspect the land

Visit the plot in person, or have someone you trust do so. Check that the land on the ground matches the survey plan, that no one else is in possession, and that there are no signs of a dispute. Ask neighbours and, where relevant, the community about the history of the plot.

Consent & registration

For land held under a Certificate of Occupancy, transferring your interest generally requires the consent of the Minister of the FCT. Once consent is obtained, the transaction should be registered so that your interest appears on the official record.