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Nigerian Property Lawyer and Consultant. Business Structuring

@barrister.grace

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Property Lawyer | Real Estate Consultant | Business Registration | Business Structuring

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Over the coming weeks, I will be addressing these issues and more, particularly for existing and aspiring real estate developers in Nigeria.

My goal is to help real estate businesses build right, operate responsibly, and protect both their investments and the people who trust them.

Because in this business, what you build matters. But HOW you build it matters just as much.

Welcome to Dear Real Estate Developer with Grace.

Let’s talk.

#BarristerGrace #RealEstateNigeria #RealEstateLaw #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateDevelopment DueDiligence by @barrister.grace

HOW DO I KNOW IF A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER IS LEGITIMATE?
“I still want to invest, but I cannot afford to lose my hard-earned money again.”

I understand your concern. But you don’t necessarily have to abandon real estate investment. You need to learn how to protect yourself.

Before investing, take these 7 steps:

1. Verify the company. Check its registration and corporate details with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Remember, registration alone doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.

2. Investigate the property. Engage an independent property lawyer to verify the title, ownership, and possible encumbrances.

3. Visit the site. Don’t rely solely on pictures, videos, or promotional materials.

4. Check the track record. Speak with previous buyers and independently verify completed projects.

5. Review the agreement. Understand your rights, payment terms, delivery timelines, and remedies if things go wrong.

6. Watch for red flags. Be cautious of unrealistic promises, pressure to pay immediately, and refusal to provide relevant documents.

7. Conduct independent due diligence. Don’t rely solely on the developer’s assurances or internal verification team.

Remember: A popular company isn’t automatically trustworthy, and an attractive offer isn’t necessarily a safe investment.

You don’t have to stop investing. You must learn to investigate before you invest.

Your hard-earned money deserves protection!

#realestateinvestingtips #propertylawyer #realestatescam #propertydevelopment by @barrister.grace

by @barrister.grace

Nigeria has emerged as Africa's largest real estate market, with an estimated market value of $2.6 trillion, while its property sector is projected to expand at 6.9 percent annually between 2025 and 2029, according to the Real Estate Investment in Africa report reviewed by BusinessDay.

The projected growth rate places Nigeria ahead of Kenya at 5.1 percent, Rwanda at 3.6 percent, Ghana at 3.4 percent, and South Africa at 3.0 percent.

The report puts Nigeria's estimated property market well ahead of Egypt's $1.6 trillion, Ethiopia's $1.3 trillion and South Africa's $1.2 trillion. Kenya and Ghana follow with $773 billion and $533.3 billion, respectively.

Nigeria's position reflects its large population, rapid urbanisation and expanding commercial centres, which continue to generate demand across residential and commercial property.

The findings point to a significant opportunity for investors as Africa's property market enters a period of faster expansion.

Africa's real estate market is projected to grow by 5.58 percent annually from 2025 to 2029, faster than North America at 3.39 percent, Europe at 2.86 percent, and Asia at 2 percent. by @barrister.grace

“Barrister, I saw a house I really liked and the owner told me there was a tenant living there, but that the tenant would leave once the property was sold.

I paid for the house, completed the transaction and the seller handed the property over to me.

When I went to the house, the tenant told me he had already paid his rent until next year and that he wasn’t leaving.

I called the former owner, and he said, ‘The house belongs to you now. Deal with the tenant yourself.’

Barrister, please, I bought the house, so why can’t I just ask the tenant to leave?”

ANSWER:
Because buying a property does not automatically mean that every existing tenancy attached to that property disappears.

One of the things you should have investigated BEFORE paying for the property is whether there are existing tenants, the nature of their tenancy, when their rent expires, whether there is a tenancy agreement, and whether the seller promised you vacant possession.

Depending on the circumstances and the applicable tenancy law, the existing tenant may have rights that you cannot simply ignore because ownership has changed.

This is why “Is there a tenant in the property?” should not be treated as a casual question during property inspection.

You should also ask:
- When does the tenant's current tenancy expire?
- How much rent has already been paid, and to whom?
- Is there a written tenancy agreement?
- Was vacant possession promised to me as part of the sale?
- Has the tenant been properly notified of the change in ownership?
- Are there outstanding issues between the previous landlord and the tenant?
- Who is responsible for returning the tenant's caution/security deposit, where applicable?
- Has the seller already received rent covering a period after the proposed completion date?

When buying a property, don't only investigate the land and the documents.

Investigate the people and interests attached to the property too.

A property may have a beautiful building, genuine title and a willing seller, and still come with a problem you didn't bargain for.

Before you pay for that property, ask the right questions.

#BarristerGrace #RealEstateNigeria #RealEstateTips #Prop by @barrister.grace

Real estate is not a scam. The real problem is that many people invest with their eyes close without proper due diligence or professional guidance.

Don't let ignorance cost you your hard-earned money.

Follow this page for more real estate insights. I'll be breaking this down further in my next posts.

#RealEstateNigeria #PropertyInvestment #DueDiligence #RealEstateTips #BarristerGrace #LandInvestment #PropertyLaw #realestateeducation by @barrister.grace

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced its intention to strike off 100,000 companies from the Register under the provisions of Section 692(3) & (4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020.

If your company is affected, this is not a notice to ignore.

To avoid being struck off, you have 90 days from 15th July 2026 to:

1. File all outstanding Annual Returns.
2. Update your Persons with Significant Control (PSC)/Beneficial Ownership information.
3. Regularize any other outstanding corporate compliance issues.
4. Submit evidence of compliance to struckoffcompanies@cac.gov.ng.

Failure to comply within the stipulated period may result in your company being struck off the Register without further notice.

As a business owner, remember that registering your company is only the beginning. Ongoing compliance is a legal obligation. Filing Annual Returns and maintaining accurate corporate records are essential to keeping your company in good legal standing.

I strongly advise every company director, shareholder, and business owner to verify their company's status immediately and take the necessary steps if affected.

Need our services on:
Annual Returns filing
Company compliance
Regularization of CAC records
General corporate advisory
Company Registration

Feel free to send me a DM.

#BarristerGrace #CAC #CorporateAffairsCommission #CAMA2020 #AnnualReturns #CorporateCompliance #BusinessLaw #CompanyRegistration #CorporateLaw #NigerianLaw #BusinessOwners #EntrepreneurNigeria #LegalTips #CorporateGovernance #NigeriaBusinesses by @barrister.grace

The answer is it depends. Liability is determined by the cause of the collapse and the role each party played.

Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may rest with:
The Developer - if there was negligence, poor workmanship, or disregard for approved plans.

The Contractor/Builder - for substandard construction or failure to follow professional standards.

The Architect or Structural Engineer - if the collapse resulted from negligent design or supervision.

Material suppliers - where defective or substandard materials contributed to the collapse.

Regulatory authorities - in limited circumstances where there was proven failure in statutory oversight.

Property owners - if they carried out unauthorized structural alterations or ignored known safety risks.

In Nigeria, a building collapse can give rise to civil liability (compensation for victims) and, where negligence is gross or reckless, criminal liability.

The key lesson is this: Building safety is a shared legal responsibility. Every stakeholder must play their part to protect lives and property.

Have a question about property law or real estate? Drop it in the comments, and let's discuss.

#BarristerGrace #PropertyLaw #RealEstateLaw #BuildingCollapse #ConstructionLaw #RealEstateNigeria #LegalEducation #PropertyRights #DueDiligence #BuildingSafety by @barrister.grace

Here are a few facts every property owner, developer, and investor should know:

- A proper soil test determines the type of foundation a building needs.
- Using substandard materials can significantly weaken a structure.
- Altering a building without professional approval can compromise its stability.
- Every stage of construction should be supervised by qualified professionals.
- Regular structural inspections can detect problems before they become disasters.

A beautiful building is not necessarily a safe building. Safety begins with planning, compliance, quality, and professional supervision.

Before you buy, build, or invest, always do your due diligence. It could save lives and protect your investment.

Did you know these facts?
Which one surprised you the most?
Let us know in the comments.

#DidYouKnow #RealEstateTips #BuildingSafety #ConstructionSafety #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateNigeria #BuildingStandards #SafeConstruction #DueDiligence #G128Realty #BarristerGrace #Barristergrace by @barrister.grace

Nigeria has once again witnessed tragic building collapses in both Lagos and Port Harcourt, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and renewed concerns about the safety of our built environment.

Lagos (Alakija, Amuwo-Odofin): A multi-storey building collapsed, leaving at least nine people dead and several others injured.

Port Harcourt (Peter Odili Road): A building under construction caved in, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in these tragic incidents. Our thoughts are with the injured, survivors, property owners, workers, and everyone affected by these collapses.

These unfortunate incidents are more than just headlines, they are reminders of the consequences of cutting corners in construction and failing to comply with building regulations.

Key Lessons for Property Owners, Developers & Investors:
1. Engage qualified professionals - lawyers, architects, engineers, builders, and surveyors.

2. Obtain all necessary approvals and permits before construction.

3. Never compromise on the quality of building materials.

4. Conduct proper soil tests and structural assessments.

5. Ensure continuous professional supervision throughout the construction process.

6. Carry out due diligence before investing in or purchasing any property.

A building collapse does not only destroy structures, it destroys lives, investments, and public confidence in the real estate sector.

As stakeholders in the property industry, we must collectively advocate for:
- Stronger regulatory enforcement
- Professional accountability
- Strict compliance with building standards
- A culture of safety and integrity in construction

The real estate sector thrives when buildings are not only beautiful but also safe, structurally sound, and compliant.

#RealEstateNews #BuildingCollapse #LagosRealEstate #PortHarcourtRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #ConstructionSafety #BuildingRegulations #RealEstateNigeria #PropertyDevelopment #DueDiligence #Infrastructure #G128Realty #NigerianRealEstate #PropertyMatters #SafeBuildingPractices #RealEstateEducation #InvestWisely #buildingcollapse by @barrister.grace

Answer:
Not necessarily. They may not be scammers.

Here's why:
A Global Certificate of Occupancy (Global C of O) means that the government issued one Certificate of Occupancy over a large expanse of land owned by the estate developer or original owner.

When you purchase a plot within that estate, you are buying a portion of the larger land covered by the Global C of O, not a separate parcel with an individual C of O.

Therefore, you generally cannot obtain another C of O on the same plot while it remains under the Global C of O.

Instead, your ownership is usually perfected through documents such as:
- Registered Deed of Assignment
- Governor's Consent

So, getting your own individual C of O is usually possible only if:
1. The estate undergoes a process of subdivision and obtains government approval for individual titles; or

2. The government permits the excision of your plot from the Global C of O and the issuance of a separate title.

The process and requirements differ from state to state.

However, you should be concerned if:
- The estate has no verifiable Global C of O.
- They refuse to provide evidence of the title.
- The title documents cannot be verified at the Land Registry.
- There are encumbrances, government acquisition issues, or ongoing disputes over the land.

Always conduct Due Diligence before concluding that an estate company is fraudulent.

The right question is not, "Can I get my own C of O?" but rather, "Is the Global C of O genuine, valid, and sufficient to secure my interest in the property?"

Need help verifying an estate's title documents or perfecting your property ownership? Send a dm.

#RealEstateNigeria #PropertyLaw #CertificateOfOccupancy #GlobalCOO #LandTitles #PropertyDocumentation #DueDiligence #RealEstateEducation #LandPurchase #InvestSmart #PropertyInvestment #G128Realty #LagosRealEstate #RealEstateQandA #PropertyTips #Barristergrace #askbarristergrace #propertylawyer #naijaproperty #naijapropertylawyer #propertylawyerinnigeria by @barrister.grace

by @barrister.grace