If you are buying land in Lagos it is not enough to trust the real estate company or the estate agent selling the land. Even if they are your family friends. There are important things you must check to know if a land is free from government acquisition. .
Buying land in Lagos is a good investment decision. But, knowing the status of the land you are buying is very important. The status of land in Lagos can be verified by submitting an application for a Charting information certificate. The result will help identify if the subject site quoted in the land survey falls within one of the following three statuses:,
- A committed government acquisition,
- Uncommitted government acquisition or
- Free from any government acquisition.
It is very important to know the status of a land before making financial commitments. Imagine the trauma that comes with buying acquisition land. Having a structure demolished after completion.
This article will show you how to know if a land is free from government acquisition.
What is Land under Government Acquisition in Lagos?
The land under government acquisition in Lagos is land that is officially designated for a specific public or government use. The purpose of designation can be for any government activities like infrastructure development, public projects, or government schemes.
The Land Use Act of 1978 stipulates that all land comprising the territory of each State (except land vested in the Federal Government or its agencies) solely in the Governor of the State, who would hold such land in trust for the people. The Governor would henceforth be responsible for allocation of land in all urban areas to individuals resident in the state.
How to know If a Land is Under Government Acquisition
Follow the following steps to know if land is under government acquisition:
1. Request for Relevant Land Document from the Seller
The first step of identifying the status of land is to request for relevant documents from the seller. These documents include:
- Land survey document
- Governor’s Consent document and;
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Out of the three documents stated above, the land survey document is important. It is a vital document that is a requirement for processing the charting information certificate. This document contains important information, which include the size of the land owned by the seller. It also contains the seller’s name and address, and most importantly, the coordinates that will be used to investigate the status of the land. You can use either the hard copy or the electronic soft copy you get from the land seller.
Also Read: Difference between Gazette and Excision Land Titles in Lagos
2. Go for Site Visitation to Confirm the Land Survey
Don’t rely solely on the documents given to buy the seller. Always go for site visitation to confirm the legitimacy of the land. Go with your surveyor to compare the size of the land physically.
Compare the physical details with the size in the land survey document. Make sure that the coordinates indicated in the document aligns with the physical observations.
3. Request for Charting Information Certificate
Your surveyor will help you apply for the charting information certificate. The application is to go through the Surveyor General of Lagos State. The following Information and actions will be required from you:
- The name and address of the applicant or recipient of the certificate,.
- The survey plan,
- Paying the required fee, depending on the size of the land.
These details ensure that the certificate is directed to the appropriate individual or entity. Attached the survey plan to the application when submitting. This helps in confirming the authenticity of the provided information. It also facilitates the processing of the charting information certificate.
The applicant is expected to pay some fees associated with obtaining the charting information certificate. This fee is based on the size of the land the charting information certificate is requested. The surveyor also charges an additional processing fee.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Governor’s Consent Land Title
4. Get the Chart Information Certificate
The application process might take longer. You have to be extra patient throughout the verification process. The office of the Surveyor General of Lagos State will send the Chartng information Certificate to the applicant or recipient address provided on the application.
Your surveyor can also help you receive the result of your charting information certificate application from the Office of the Surveyor General. After collection your surveyor will review the charting information certificate. With the surveyor’s understanding of the land’s status he will give clear advice for you to make informed decisions regarding its acquisition.
5. Determine the Status of Your Land
Review the content of the charting information certificate upon receiving it. Based on the information in the certificate, determine the status of your land. The charting will contain any of these three statuses:
- Committed Government Acquisition: This means the land is within a committed government acquisition. This status shows that the government has strong plans for the land. This may impose restrictions or limitations on its usage. It is advisable not to buy such land. The government will eventually demolish any structure on the pathway of the land when it is ready to start the designated projects for the land.
- Uncommitted Government Acquisition: This means the land is within an uncommitted government acquisition. This status shows some level of uncertainty about the government’s future plans for the land and area. You can purchase such land but with one condition. The land must be regularized for the purpose you need it for. If you regularize the land you can be compensated in future if the government decides to do anything on the land.
- Land Free from Government Acquisition: This means the land that is free from any government acquisition or any future plans by the government. It signifies a desirable status for ownership and development. This is the perfect and most secure type of land to buy in Lagos. The government doesn’t have control over it.
6. Seek Professional Advice and Make an Informed Decision
After having all the necessary information, doing due diligence, and seeking professional advice you can go ahead with the purchase. You can also evaluate other factors such as location, suitability for your intended use, potential developments in the area, and other useful considerations. Consider the risks and benefits, ensuring compliance with legal and documentation requirements. Work with your surveyor, lawyer, or real estate expert to navigate the process smoothly and protect your investment.
Also Read: 15 Terminologies and their Meanings in the Nigeria Real Estate Market
Conclusion
You can easily avoid government land If you follow the steps stated above. Always seek the guidance of a registered surveyor before buying a land. With a surveyor you can be sure of verifying the real status of a landed property in Lagos State.
You can go for the uncommitted acquisition land if you like taking risks but the best land to buy is the one free from the government’s acquisition. But make sure to regularize it if you go for uncommitted land. This will prevent you from any future loss in case the government later has future plans to use it for any project.
Do not be a victim of land scam in Lagos? Reach to me today so that I can help you verify that property or recommend another one with a better ROI. Call me on +2347034562387 or send a message on WhatsApp – +2347034562387
