Most Nigerians abroad ask the same few things before buying land in Abuja. Here are the answers, kept short. Have a Nigerian property lawyer review your documents before you pay.

1. Can I buy land in Abuja while living abroad?

Yes. Inspection, verification, payment and paperwork can all be handled remotely. What you cannot skip is the paperwork itself.

2. I have a US, UK or Canadian passport. Can I still buy?

If you are a Nigerian citizen, yes. Nigerian law allows dual citizenship, and a foreign passport doesn't automatically cancel your Nigerian citizenship. If you were born abroad to a Nigerian parent, you may also qualify. Keep your parent's Nigerian documents and your birth certificate ready. If you are not Nigerian by birth or descent, speak to a lawyer first.

3. Should I give a relative my Power of Attorney?

Be careful. A Power of Attorney lets someone act for you. It does not make them, or you, the owner.

If you grant one, keep it narrow. Name the exact plot, list what they may do, and set an end date.
Have a Nigerian lawyer draft it. Documents signed abroad usually need notarising, and your lawyer will confirm any further steps.

For many buyers, a lawyer is a safer representative than a relative.

4. How do I verify the land before paying?

Ask for the title document (C of O, or the developer's title and allocation papers).
Do an AGIS legal search. It shows the registered holder and any encumbrances. Results usually take 1 to 3 days, and your lawyer can file it.
Check that the seller's name matches or if it doesn't, there are documentations showing transfer of ownership between the names on the documents known as the allottees
Get someone you trust to visit the site, or do a live video walkthrough.
Check that the land is not under government acquisition.

5. How do I pay safely from overseas?

Pay only into an official company account, never a personal one.
Get a receipt in the company's name for every payment.
Have your lawyer confirm the account name before you send money.

6. What if something goes wrong?

In real estate transactions, the best first step is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Before anything else, seek an alternative dispute resolution with the seller, such as direct negotiation or mediation.

Ready to start?

Tell us your budget and preferred area, and we'll walk you through available plots and the documents that come with each. Browse them at tehiljem.com/properties or WhatsApp +234 806 864 5460.

Buying Land in Abuja From Abroad: 7 Questions Answered