How to Know If Land Is Under Government Acquisition
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
Monday, September 22, 2025
September 22, 2025
How to Know If Land Is Under Government Acquisition
Last year, we all witnessed the owner of Landmark beach lamenting because it looked like the federal government was witch hunting him and acquiring his properties intentionally. So now what really happened?
In April 2024, the Nigerian Federal Government began clearing properties along Lagos’s coastline. This was to pave way for the 700km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship transport corridor. Nearly 750 buildings were affected, many of them approved, titled, and built legally, but still marked for demolition.
This isn’t rare. It’s a reminder that every land buyer must confirm whether the land is free from government acquisition before committing funds.
Here’s how smart Nigerians verify land status before signing.
1. They Check the State Surveyor-General’s Office
Every Nigerian state has a Surveyor-General’s Office. Buyers take the land’s survey plan there to conduct a land charting, this confirms whether the land is within a government-acquired area.
Tip: Request a land information certificate (also called a charting certificate) from the ministry. It’s your first line of defense.
How to Know If Land Is Under Government Acquisition
Last year, we all witnessed the owner of Landmark beach lamenting because it looked like the federal government was witch hunting him and acquiring his properties intentionally. So now what really happened?
In April 2024, the Nigerian Federal Government began clearing properties along Lagos’s coastline. This was to pave way for the 700km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship transport corridor. Nearly 750 buildings were affected, many of them approved, titled, and built legally, but still marked for demolition.
This isn’t rare. It’s a reminder that every land buyer must confirm whether the land is free from government acquisition before committing funds.
Here’s how smart Nigerians verify land status before signing.
1. They Check the State Surveyor-General’s Office
Every Nigerian state has a Surveyor-General’s Office. Buyers take the land’s survey plan there to conduct a land charting, this confirms whether the land is within a government-acquired area.
Tip: Request a land information certificate (also called a charting certificate) from the ministry. It’s your first line of defense.
2. They Ask for the Gazette
If land was previously acquired but later excised, that excision must be listed in the official state gazette. No gazette? No proof. The land may still be under acquisition.
Tip: The gazette shows if land was officially released by the government. Ask to see a physical or digital copy, not just a claim.
3. They Consult Licensed Surveyors or Lawyers
Professionals crosscheck survey coordinates and government overlays. They also flag red zones (roads, rail, military, energy corridors) that buyers might miss.
Tip: Choose surveyors registered with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors and land law firms with proven track records.
2. They Ask for the Gazette
If land was previously acquired but later excised, that excision must be listed in the official state gazette. No gazette? No proof. The land may still be under acquisition.
Tip: The gazette shows if land was officially released by the government. Ask to see a physical or digital copy, not just a claim.
3. They Consult Licensed Surveyors or Lawyers
Professionals crosscheck survey coordinates and government overlays. They also flag red zones (roads, rail, military, energy corridors) that buyers might miss.
Tip: Choose surveyors registered with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors and land law firms with proven track records.
4. They Review Community and Government Notices
Demolitions and land revocations are often posted in newspapers, gazettes, or even on local bulletin boards. Smart buyers scan for any notice of compulsory acquisition.
Tip: Ask local community leaders what’s been published or discussed, they often get early notice of new acquisition plans.
5. They Avoid “Committed Land” Deals
In real estate lingo, committed land means the government has reserved it for public use, roads, schools, bridges, or agriculture. It should never be sold to private individuals.
Tip: If your survey plan says “under acquisition” or “subject to government use,” walk away. No document can change that.
4. They Review Community and Government Notices
Demolitions and land revocations are often posted in newspapers, gazettes, or even on local bulletin boards. Smart buyers scan for any notice of compulsory acquisition.
Tip: Ask local community leaders what’s been published or discussed, they often get early notice of new acquisition plans.
5. They Avoid “Committed Land” Deals
In real estate lingo, committed land means the government has reserved it for public use, roads, schools, bridges, or agriculture. It should never be sold to private individuals.
Tip: If your survey plan says “under acquisition” or “subject to government use,” walk away. No document can change that.
Final Thought
The Lagos–Calabar highway project taught everyone a hard lesson: titles mean nothing if the land is inside a government project zone. You must verify land status before payment, not after.
Final Thought
The Lagos–Calabar highway project taught everyone a hard lesson: titles mean nothing if the land is inside a government project zone. You must verify land status before payment, not after.
At Landnest Homes and Properties, every plot we sell is charted, verified, and documented. Our products like Bay Foreshore or CedarNest, helps you avoid acquisition traps. With us you can buy with peace of mind.
DM us now to enquire for our Products.
At Landnest Homes and Properties, every plot we sell is charted, verified, and documented. Our products like Bay Foreshore or CedarNest, helps you avoid acquisition traps. With us you can buy with peace of mind.
DM us now to enquire for our Products.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
Registered under EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.