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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Due diligence and title verification in Nigeria land transactions: Legal principles and practical guidance
Authors
Dr. Grace Abraham Ahiakwo
Abstract
Land transactions in
Nigeria are shaped by a dual tenure system,
statutory and customary,
that often creates complexity in ownership and
transfer. Secure acquisition
requires navigating statutory instruments such as the Land Use Act,
state-specific land laws, and judicial precedents, alongside customary
practices that govern communal land sales. Despite the existence of legal safeguards, many
land transactions in Nigeria remain vulnerable to defective titles, fraudulent
dealings, and protracted litigation. The lack of adequate due diligence and
title verification continues to expose stakeholders,
law students, legal practitioners, property
developers, and prospective landowners to significant risks.
This article seeks to provide a comprehensive and
practice-oriented analysation of land transactions in Nigeria, with a particular
focus on due diligence and title verification. It aims to bridge the gap
between doctrinal property law and practical application, thereby equipping
stakeholders with the tools to ensure secure and legally sound land acquisition. The
study adopts a doctrinal and practice-based approach. It draws on statutory
instruments, judicial precedents, and state-specific land laws, while
integrating practical checklists, survey verification techniques, litigation
checks, and retrospective consent procedures. By combining legal analysis with
procedural safeguards, the work offers a structured framework for evaluating
land transactions. The
study finds that effective due diligence,
covering survey verification, government
acquisition checks, litigation history, and communal land sales, is critical to
mitigating risks in land transactions. It concludes that legal literacy,
procedural compliance, and contextual awareness are indispensable for
stakeholders. The article recommends strengthening institutional
transparency, harmonising
statutory and customary practices, and promoting accountability in land
governance. Ultimately, it contributes to the development of a more
transparent, accountable, and legally sound framework for property transactions
in Nigeria, serving both as reference material and a reformist tool.
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Pages:365-373
How to cite this article:
Dr. Grace Abraham Ahiakwo "Due diligence and title verification in Nigeria land transactions: Legal principles and practical guidance". International Journal of Law, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 365-373
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