First establish whether the land belongs to an individual or a family. Then have a lawyer confirm the appropriate selling authority and consent for that family and transaction.
Is the seller an individual owner or a representative?
Ask how the land was acquired and whether other family members claim an interest. A person presenting themselves as sole owner may actually be acting for a family. Investigate that distinction before agreeing to pay.
- Compare the seller’s account with the available records.
- Ask for evidence of the claimed authority.
Does every family member need to sign?
Do not use a universal signature rule. The persons required to authorize or consent to a sale depend on the applicable law, family circumstances and transaction. Have a lawyer identify and document the required participation.
- Include the relevant family representatives in the process.
- Keep written records of authority and consent.
How should competing claims be handled?
Ask about earlier sales, family disagreements and occupants. Have unresolved claims investigated; a meeting or verbal assurance does not necessarily settle them. Confirm that the same parcel is described in all documents.
- Do not pay merely because one family member promises to handle objections later.
What should I keep before proceeding?
Keep the professional findings, documents identifying the parcel and records explaining the seller’s authority. Ask your lawyer what must be completed before money changes hands and before the transaction is finalized.
- Use the buyer checklist to record outstanding items.
- Checklist completion is not a legal confirmation of title.
Use this as preparation
This guide explains questions to raise. It does not confirm a particular title or replace a professional review of your transaction.
Open the preparation checklistsSources & review notes
- Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency: Lands and Survey guidance
- Land Use Act 1978, sections 8, 9 and 22 · PLAC reproduction
- Office of the Surveyor General public portal · SGRIV
Source access date: 7 October 2026. Practical checklists draw on Genesis’s local experience. Published office guidance may change; exact costs, quantities and turnaround times are not promised.
How to report a correctionConsidering an application?
Would you like to apply for a C of O?External portal · sgriv.comSGRIV’s public page is available. This guide has not verified a complete online application journey. Confirm the appropriate channel with the office.