Securing Genuine Land in Lagos || Navigating Demolitions and Ensuring Safe Property Investments
The question about how to get a genuine land in Lagos has become
increasingly fraught with challenges, particularly as the Lagos State government intensifies its demolition campaigns targeting illegal structures. Over 15,000 residents in communities like Ilaje-Otumara and Bombata Market have been displaced since 2023, often with minimal notice or compensation. These actions underscore a critical reality: purchasing property without rigorous due diligence exposes buyers to catastrophic financial and emotional losses. This guide addresses the emotional toll of forced evictions, outlines the non-negotiable steps for verifying land legitimacy, and positions Lexshield Properties Limited as the trusted partner for securing risk-free investments in Lagos’ volatile real estate market.
The Reality of Demolitions in Lagos: A Crisis of Trust and Security
Escalating Government Actions and Their Human Cost
Lagos’ rapid urbanization has led to aggressive enforcement of urban planning laws, often at the expense of vulnerable communities. In March 2025, over 9,000 residents of Ilaje-Otumara were forcibly evicted by armed officials and bulldozers, violating a 2017 court order that deemed such actions unconstitutional. Similarly, Bombata Market occupants faced abrupt eviction in October 2024 despite ongoing legal disputes. These demolitions reflect a pattern: short notices (as little as two hours), violent enforcement, and negligible resettlement support. For families, this translates to homelessness, lost livelihoods, and generational trauma.
The Government’s Stance: Legal Frameworks vs. Practical Execution
Officials like Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab argue that demolitions target illegal structures violating drainage and building codes. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) emphasizes adherence to due process, citing pre-demolition notices and safety concerns. However, contradictions arise. The seven-day notice period for Orchid Road properties starkly contrasts with the 15-day ultimatum given to Ilaje-Otumara residents, which was ignored before the violent eviction1. This inconsistency erodes public trust and highlights the precariousness of property ownership in Lagos.
The Non-Negotiable Due Diligence for Genuine Land in Lagos
Legal Verification: Beyond Surface-Level Checks
Acquiring genuine land in Lagos demands meticulous legal scrutiny. Start with verifying the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which confirms government allocation. However, as seen in Ilaje-Otumara a community with legal tenure since 2017 a C of O alone isn’t foolproof. Cross-reference with:
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Governor’s Consent: Ensures transactions post-allocation are legally recognized.
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Land Registry Search: Confirms no pending litigation or multiple ownership claims.
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Survey Plans: Validate boundary alignments to avoid encroaching on government-acquired land.
Failure here risks buying contested property, as occurred in Lekki Phase II, where residents lost ₦1.7 million investments despite holding seemingly valid documents.
Technical and Social Due Diligence: The Unseen Protectors
Technical audits assess structural integrity and zoning compliance. LASBCA’s demolition of a distressed three-floor building on Adeniji Adele Road underscores the life-saving importance of these checks. Meanwhile, social due diligence involves community engagement. Properties in areas like Otodo-Gbame demolished in 2017 often lack long-term security, even if legally compliant. Consult local leaders and historical records to gauge future risks.
Why you should buy emirate parks and gardens
Lexshield Properties: Your Shield Against Demolition Risks
Unmatched Expertise in Risk-Free Investments
Lexshield Properties Limited stands apart in Lagos’ turbulent market by prioritizing transparency and legality. Their portfolio in fast-growing areas like Mowe-Ofada and Ibeju-Lekki undergoes rigorous checks:
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Pre-Vetted Titles: Every property holds verified C of O and Governor’s Consent, eliminating legal ambiguities.
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Infrastructure Compliance: Developments adhere to drainage setbacks and building codes, preempting government crackdowns.
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Community Integration: Partnerships with local authorities ensure social acceptability, reducing demolition risks.
Case Study: Turning Crisis into Opportunity
When the Lagos government announced the Bombata Market demolition in 2024, Lexshield offered displaced tenants affordable plots in Emirate Parks and Gardens, a secure estate with flexible payment plans. This proactive approach not only salvaged livelihoods but also built long-term client trust.
Emotional Resilience: Navigating Fear with Knowledge
The trauma of losing a home as described by Ilaje-Otumara resident Yemi Oladapo, who fled with only her children’s school uniforms can’t be overstated. Yet, knowledge empowers. By choosing genuine land in Lagos through Lexshield, buyers transform anxiety into confidence. Their Lushville Estate, for instance, offers 500sqm plots with a ₦1 million deposit, combining affordability with ironclad legal security.
Conclusion: Building a Future on Solid Ground
Lagos’ demolition wave is a stark reminder: property investment here requires more than capital it demands vigilance. By prioritizing legal, technical, and social due diligence, and partnering with Lexshield Properties Limited, buyers secure not just land, but peace of mind. In a city where 30,000+ have been displaced since 20171, let your investment be a fortress, not a gamble.
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