Experts launch platform to combat real estate fraud in Nigeria

LandVerify, a Nigerian proptech firm, has launched a digital platform designed to tackle the country’s widespread real estate fraud, restore trust in property transactions, and protect buyers from fraudulent deals.

Real estate scams is one of the major property-related disputes in Nigeria, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lists land fraud among the most common financial crimes, with annual losses amounting to billions of naira.

These scams often involve the sale of non-existent properties, forged documentation, or the double-selling of land, exploiting Nigeria’s weak verification systems. Millions of Nigerians attempt to acquire land or property each year, increasing the risks and the stakes.

One major challenge lies in the lack of proper documentation. In Lagos State, for example, many properties are without legal titles such as Certificates of Occupancy, essential documents for proving ownership and securing financing.

To address this gap, LandVerify has launched a user-friendly platform that offers swift and reliable land verification services. The company currently operates in Lagos and Ogun states, and delivers detailed property reports within 48 hours to seven working days. Its team consists of licensed surveyors, town planners, tech professionals, and legal experts, all of whom have experienced the impact of real estate fraud firsthand.

“The problem is deeply rooted in outdated legal frameworks and centralized land control systems,” said Adebayo Taofeek, LandVerify’s media, communications and marketing lead.

“One major step is to amend the Land Use Act of 1978, especially the clause that vests land ownership solely in the hands of state governors. This centralization slows down verification and fuels fraud.”

Adebayo advocated for decentralising land administration by empowering Local Government Areas to manage land registration independently. “Using technology, states can assign every parcel of land, urban or rural, with a unique digital ID. This would create traceable, verifiable records and reduce the chances of double-selling or forgery,” he explained.

He also emphasised the need for stricter legal penalties to deter fraud. “A federal bill should enforce strong punitive measures against individuals or entities found guilty of land fraud. Consequences must be clear and deterrent enough to curb the current impunity,” Adebayo added.

While the platform is currently focused on Lagos and Ogun states, LandVerify plans to expand into other major cities across Nigeria. “Our goal is to prioritize high-demand areas plagued by land verification gaps. We’re building a scalable tech infrastructure that allows us to onboard certified surveyors, legal experts, and land verification officers across the country,” Adebayo said.

The firm is also seeking strategic collaborations with government agencies to ensure the reliability and legal recognition of its data.

“We want to work with surveyor-general offices, land registries, and legal institutions to ensure the data we provide is not only accurate but also recognised by law,” he noted, adding that such partnerships would help identify discrepancies early and rebuild confidence in the real estate sector.