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Buying · 4 min read

How to verify a survey plan

Written by CribCheck, reviewed by the CribCheck inspection team. Last reviewed 18 September 2026.

Part of Documents to check before buying property in Nigeria

Short answer

Check that the plan carries a registered surveyor's name, seal and signature, a plan number and coordinates, then have those coordinates charted at the state survey office. Charting confirms the exact position and size of the plot and whether it falls within government acquisition or a road setback.

What to look at on the plan

  • The surveyor's name, registration details, seal and signature.
  • Plan number and date.
  • Coordinates at each beacon, and the stated area.
  • Whether the plan states 'free from government acquisition' — a claim to verify, not accept.

The check that counts

Charting at the state survey office places your coordinates on the official map. It tells you whether the plot is where the seller says, whether it overlaps a neighbour, and whether it sits in an acquisition, excision, road or drainage setback.

Then walk the land

  • Find the beacons physically and match them to the plan.
  • Compare the fence line with the plan boundaries.
  • Ask neighbours and the community whether the boundary is disputed.

General information, not legal advice. Title and land matters vary by state and carry real financial risk — instruct a property lawyer before you pay anything.

What to do next

Check this home with CribCheck while you are still there. Record what you see, get a condition score with indicative repair costs, and keep it to compare against other homes.

Before you pay, CribCheck it.

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