The Role of a Survey in Securing Your Land Title
Land ownership is a big milestone for anyone. Whether it’s for building a home, starting a business, or simply keeping it as an investment, owning land gives a sense of security and pride. But in Nigeria, land issues can get complicated very quickly. Disputes over boundaries, multiple sales of the same plot, or buying land under government acquisition are all too common.
This is why securing your land title is not just an option. it’s a necessity. And one of the most important steps in doing that is carrying out a proper land survey.
What Exactly Is a Land Survey?
A land survey is the process of accurately measuring and mapping a piece of land. It shows you the size, shape, location, and boundaries of the property. The final result of this process is a survey plan — a legal document prepared and signed by a licensed surveyor.
The survey plan isn’t just a rough sketch. It contains precise coordinates, boundary descriptions, and other details that match the land to a specific location on the map. In Nigeria, the Office of the Surveyor-General in each state recognizes and keeps records of these plans.
Why Is It So Important for Your Land Title?
1. It Confirms the Exact Boundaries of Your Land
Many land disputes start because people don’t know where their land starts and ends. With a proper survey, your boundaries are clearly marked and recorded. This means your neighbours can’t claim part of your land, and you can’t mistakenly build outside your property line.
2. It’s a Requirement for Government Documentation
When applying for a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, or other title documents, one of the first things the authorities will ask for is your registered survey plan. Without it, your application cannot move forward.
3. It Protects You Legally
A registered survey plan, signed by a licensed surveyor, is accepted as evidence in court. If there’s ever a dispute over ownership, your survey is proof that your land exists where you say it does and that it belongs to you.
4. It Helps You Avoid Buying Problematic Land
Before you even make payment for land, conducting a survey can save you from trouble. A survey will reveal if the land falls under government acquisition, is reserved for public projects, or has been sold to someone else. It’s far better to discover issues before paying than to lose your money in a bad transaction.
5. It Makes Future Transactions Easier
If you ever decide to sell the land, use it as collateral for a loan, or develop it, you’ll find that having a registered survey speeds things up. Serious buyers and financial institutions always check for a valid survey before moving forward.
Where Otic Surveys Comes In
At Otic Surveys, we understand how much trust you’re placing in us when you hire us to survey your land. We don’t just take measurements; we make sure every detail is accurate, documented, and accepted by the right authorities.
Our team uses modern surveying equipment and works in line with state and federal requirements. From marking boundaries on the ground to producing your survey plan and helping you get it registered, we guide you through each stage.
We’ve helped clients secure their titles on residential plots, large estates, commercial properties, and farmlands across Nigeria. No matter the size of the land or the complexity of the case, our goal is the same to give you peace of mind knowing your land is fully documented and protected.
Buying land without doing a survey is like building a house without a foundation — risky and likely to end badly. A proper survey protects your investment, prevents disputes, and is a key requirement for securing your title.
If you’ve recently bought land or plan to, make the survey your first priority. With Otic Surveys, you can be sure the job will be done right, on time, and in a way that keeps you fully protected.