SURCON Warns Nigerians Against Using Unregistered Surveyors When Buying Land

Meta Description: SURCON has warned Nigerians to use registered surveyors when buying land to help protect their property investments and avoid potential land disputes.

The Surveyors’ Council of Nigeria (SURCON) has urged Nigerians to engage registered surveyors before buying or acquiring land.

The warning was issued by SURCON President, Moshood Akinwande, during a two-day working visit to Abeokuta, Ogun State. The visit was organised at the invitation of Abiodun Liadi, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Ogun State Branch.

According to a report by Punch Newspapers published on October 12, 2026, Akinwande stressed the importance of engaging professionals recognised by the council when dealing with landed properties.

Why Registered Surveyors Matter in Land Transactions

Buying land is a major financial decision, and mistakes during the process can lead to costly disputes.

A qualified and registered surveyor can help establish a property’s boundaries, prepare survey plans and provide technical information that supports land documentation and verification.

Using an unregistered practitioner may expose buyers to inaccurate survey information, boundary disagreements and other complications that could affect their investment.

However, engaging a registered surveyor should be part of a wider verification process. Buyers should also confirm the seller’s ownership, investigate the property’s title and check for any existing disputes before making payment.

SURCON’s Role in Regulating Surveyors

SURCON is responsible for registering surveyors, regulating professional surveying practice and maintaining discipline within the profession.

The council’s regulatory role is intended to promote professional standards and ensure that surveying services are provided by people who meet the required qualifications.

During his visit, Akinwande also spoke about the council’s authority over surveying regulation in Nigeria.

What Property Buyers Should Do Before Buying Land

For individuals planning to invest in land or real estate, the warning highlights the need for proper checks before committing money.

Here are some important steps buyers should take:

• Hire a registered surveyor: Confirm the professional’s registration with SURCON.
• Verify the land’s boundaries: Ensure the survey information matches the actual property.
• Check the ownership documents: Use a qualified property lawyer to investigate the title and relevant records.
• Investigate possible disputes: Check for competing claims, government acquisition or other restrictions affecting the property.
• Keep proper records: Retain survey plans, receipts, agreements and other transaction documents.

These steps can help buyers reduce risks and make better-informed property investment decisions.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Real Estate Market

Trust and proper documentation are essential to a healthy real estate market. When buyers carry out adequate checks before purchasing land, they are better positioned to protect their money and avoid preventable disputes.

SURCON’s warning serves as a reminder that land investment requires more than finding a suitable location and negotiating a price. Professional verification and proper legal checks are equally important.

For prospective property owners and real estate investors, taking these precautions can help protect their investments over the long term.

Source: Punch Newspapers; Surveyors’ Council of Nigeria (SURCON).