If you’re a Nigerian living abroad, you’ve probably dreamt about owning a piece of home, an investment, or a plot of land in Port Harcourt, Lagos, or Abuja that says, “I’ve made it.”
But here’s the bitter truth: many Nigerians in the diaspora lose millions every year not because real estate in Nigeria is a scam, but because they trusted the wrong information.
Every week, agents flood WhatsApp and Facebook groups with mouthwatering offers: “5 minutes from the airport!” or “100% dry land, buy and build immediately!”
Most times, these claims are half-truths or outright lies designed to appeal to your emotions and your distance from home.
Commercial Break:
I am Eze Maximus Chukwujindu. I am a real estate investment advisor and a real estate developer with 8+ years of experience. I help investors latch onto investments that do an average of 50% yields annually—that’s juicier than any investment vehicle you can find out there.
My team and I at Win Realty are successfully servicing more than 1540 satisfied clients in our 10+ estates in Port Harcourt and our partners in Abuja.
So, in this article, I’ll uncover the three biggest lies some Nigerian real estate agents tell Nigerians in the diaspora, how to spot them instantly, and what to do instead if you’re planning to invest in Nigeria’s fast-growing real estate market.
“It’s Just 5 Minutes Away from the Airport.” The Landmark Proximity Lie
This is perhaps the most common deception real estate agents use, especially in Port Harcourt and Lagos.
You’ll often hear phrases like
“The land is just 5 minutes from Port Harcourt International Airport!”
“It’s 7 minutes from Dangote Refinery!”
“It’s beside the new Lekki Coastal Road!”
But in reality, that “5 minutes” could mean a 40-minute drive in traffic or even an entirely different community.
In Port Harcourt, for instance, only properties within Omagwa, Igwuruta, Aluu, or Eneka can honestly claim proximity to the airport. Yet, you’ll still see agents advertising lands in Ubima or Elele, which are over 25–30 minutes away, as “airport estates.”
They rely on perceived proximity to sell faster, knowing that diaspora clients rarely have time to cross-check locations physically.
Verify Distance Yourself!
Before committing to a deal:
Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to measure real driving distance.
Ask for the exact GPS coordinates or the estate layout plan.
If you can, send a trusted representative or hire a surveyor to verify location claims.
Don’t buy land based on landmark marketing. Buy based on truthful geography.
“It’s a 100% Dry Land.” The Nature of Land Deception
This one plays directly into a diaspora investor’s greatest fear: spending millions on sand-filling and foundation reinforcement.
So when you hear “100% dry land,” your heart relaxes, and you imagine solid soil, easy construction, and minimal site work. But here’s the inconvenient truth: most parts of Southern Nigeria are not 100% dry all year round.
In Port Harcourt, Warri, and parts of Lagos, many so-called “dry lands” are actually seasonally swampy areas. They stay firm during the dry season but become mini-lakes during the rains.
Some agents conveniently take site photos in December or January when the ground is rock-solid and then market it as “dry land” throughout the year.
Understand Land Typology
Ask for a site video during the rainy season, not just dry-season images.
Request a soil test or survey report before buying.
Learn the difference between a wetland (swampy) and a reclaimed dry plot; both can be valuable if priced and developed properly.
There’s nothing wrong with buying swampy land as long as you know it’s swampy. The problem is when you pay dry land prices for waterlogged terrain.
“It’s a Buy and Build Land.” The Habitability Trap
This phrase “buy and build” sounds exciting, right?
It suggests you can purchase the land, start construction immediately, and move in soon after.
But that’s not always true.
There’s a difference between:
“Buy and Build” — you can start construction, but the area may still be developing, and
“Buy, Build & Move In” — where the area is already habitable, with neighbours, light, and road access.
Unfortunately, many agents blur that distinction. A property can be “buy and build” because you can technically build there, but you might not want to move in for the next 2–3 years due to security, isolation, or lack of basic infrastructure.
Therefore, when an agent mentions “buy and build,” please ensure to clarify its exact meaning.
Use Satellite Verification
Open Google Earth or Google Maps (Satellite View).
Zoom into the location and look for visible roofs and road networks.
If the area looks like untouched bushland, it’s not yet a buy-and-build zone.
Real “buy and build” locations already show ongoing development, including electric poles, graded roads, and visible neighbourhood activity.
So, What Should You Do Instead?
If you’re in the diaspora and serious about real estate in Nigeria, here’s the smarter path:
Verify, don’t assume.
Use independent tools like Google Maps, NAPPGIS, or Lagos eGIS (for Lagos-based lands).Work with professionals, not just agents.
Hire a lawyer, surveyor, and independent real estate consultant to double-check your property before paying a dime.Ask for documentation before inspection.
Always request copies of the C of O, Deed of Assignment, or Survey Plan before travelling or wiring money.Pay for verification, not regret.
It’s far cheaper to pay ₦100,000 for professional due diligence than to lose ₦10 million on a bad deal.
Final Word
Real estate in Nigeria remains one of the most rewarding investments for diaspora Nigerians but only for those who are well-informed, skeptical, and intentional.
Don’t believe everything your agent says.
Don’t buy based on emotional urgency or flowery descriptions.
And don’t assume proximity equals profitability.
Ask questions. Verify facts.
Because in real estate, truth pays better than trust.
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If you’re planning to buy land or property in Port Harcourt (or anywhere in Nigeria), we can help you verify documents, conduct due diligence, and secure profitable investments safely.
Book a free inspection or consultation with Win Realty today.
My team and I will guide you every step of the way from inspection to ownership with transparency and expertise.
