How to Conduct Land Search & Verification in Abuja, Nigeria.

In order to conduct a land verification in Abuja, you must first submit an application to the relevant authority or land registry.

The Abuja Geographic Information System is the relevant authority/strata corporation in Abuja (AGIS). To conduct a search or authenticate the particulars of the land or property, a person intending to acquire land within the Federal Capital Territory must submit the following requirements to AGIS:

• To begin, write an application letter to the Director of Lands Administration, detailing the property as it appears on the Certificate of Occupancy, including the name of the owner, file number, plot number(s), Certificate of Occupancy Number, and date.
• Evidence of payment of a legal search fee of N10,000 (for residential purposes) or N20,000 (for commercial purposes) (commercial purposes). The Bank has a customized teller for this purpose.
• For documentation and sighting, you'll need an original certificate or a right of occupancy.
• A photocopy of a valid form of identification is required.

The Land Registry staff shall conduct the search and develop a report stating whether the information provided in the letter matches that of the document with them or any land registered there, the report shall also state the rates payable and provide information on any encumbrances on the land.

• Physical Inspection: A physical inspection of the property to be purchased would quintessentially reveal any patent defects the property might have.
• Probate Search: The purpose of the Probate Registry search is to determine who has the authority to dispose of the deceased's property. This registry is linked to the court, and it can be visited at the High Court in Maitama in Abuja.
• Corporate Affairs Commission– where a company's property is located. This is to see if there are any designated charges against the company's assets. It also helps determine whether the seller is authorized to act on behalf of the company and conduct transactions in its name, as well as whether the property has been mortgaged.

This search can be carried out by a lawyer who is an accredited agent with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Finally, a Land search should be carried out to verify that the title intended for acquisition belongs to the owner. The search also helps to determine whether the land is hampered. The active involvement of an attorney makes it easy and ensures a thorough and efficient search for the title so that problems that may develop in the future can be avoided.