Document

Buying land in Nigeria is a big investment. Whether you’re planning to build a home, start a business, or develop an estate, one thing stands between a safe investment and a potential disaster: a land surveyor.

Many land disputes in Nigeria could have been avoided if buyers had engaged qualified, licensed surveyors before paying for land. A land surveyor is the professional who measures and maps your land, defines the boundaries, and prepares the official survey plan recognized by the government. Without their work, your land documents may be rejected, your boundaries may be questioned, and in worst cases, you could lose the land entirely.

In this article, we’ll break down who land surveyors are, why they are essential in Nigeria, how to verify a genuine professional, typical costs, timelines, and practical tips to avoid scams. This is your complete everyday guide to Land Surveyors in Nigeria.

Who Exactly Is a Land Surveyor?

A land surveyor is a trained professional who measures land and prepares official maps called survey plans. These plans show the exact location, size, shape, and boundaries of a piece of land.

Think of a surveyor as the person who translates the land you see on the ground into official paper records that the government, banks, and courts can recognize. In Nigeria, only surveyors registered with the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) are legally authorized to prepare and sign survey plans.

If a surveyor is not registered with SURCON, their plans are worthless at the land registry.

Why Land Surveyors in Nigeria Are So Important

In Nigeria, land ownership can be complicated. Families, communities, private sellers, and even government bodies may claim rights to the same land. Here’s what happens if you skip the survey process:

  • Boundary disputes: Neighbors can accuse you of encroaching.

  • Rejected titles: Your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent application can be denied without a registered survey plan.

  • Government acquisition: You may lose land if it falls under planned projects (roads, pipelines, estates).

  • Double sales: Unscrupulous sellers may sell the same land twice if boundaries are unclear.

Hiring a SURCON-registered land surveyor in Nigeria protects you against these risks. They confirm the land is truly available, free from encumbrances, and properly documented.

The Legal Framework Behind Surveying in Nigeria

Two institutions regulate surveying in Nigeria:

  • Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON): This is the professional regulatory body. They register surveyors, license companies, and publish tools to verify professionals.

  • Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF): The apex government mapping office responsible for national mapping standards, control points, and geospatial policies.

At the state level, Surveyors-General of each state handle survey plan registration and verification before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

What Services Do Land Surveyors in Nigeria Provide?

Land surveyors do more than just draw maps. Their services cover:

  1. Boundary/Cadastral Survey – Defines legal property boundaries and produces survey plans.

  2. Topographic Survey – Shows land features (slopes, trees, roads) used for construction design.

  3. Subdivision & Layout Design – Divides large land into smaller saleable plots.

  4. Construction Setting-Out – Marks where structures (buildings, roads) should be built on site.

  5. As-Built Survey – Verifies that what was built matches the design.

  6. Drone & Aerial Mapping – Creates orthophotos and 3D maps for estates, farmlands, and large projects.

  7. Geodetic Surveys – Establishes accurate coordinates for infrastructure projects.

Whether you’re buying one plot or developing 100 hectares, there’s a surveyor service that fits.

 

How to Verify a Land Surveyor in Nigeria

Sadly, many fraudsters pose as surveyors. To protect yourself:

  1. Ask for SURCON registration number. Every licensed surveyor has one.

  2. Check SURCON’s online verification portal. This confirms if they are genuine.

  3. Request previously registered plans. Ask for samples (with client info hidden).

  4. Insist they handle lodgement. Fake surveyors will only draw a plan, but won’t submit it to the land office.

  5. Check firm enlistment. Some firms are registered with SURCON, ask for their license documents.

If they cannot provide proof, walk away.

Step-by-Step: How a Land Survey Job Works in Nigeria

Here’s what to expect when you hire a surveyor:

  1. Engagement – You sign an agreement on fees, scope, and timelines.

  2. Site Visit/Reconnaissance – Surveyor inspects land and checks existing documents.

  3. Field Work – Using GNSS, total stations, or drones, they measure coordinates and mark boundaries.

  4. Drafting – Data is processed into a survey plan.

  5. Lodgement – The survey plan is submitted to the State Surveyor-General’s office for approval.

  6. Inspection – Government officers may inspect the land to verify boundaries.

  7. Approval & Collection – You receive a registered survey plan, often stamped and recognized by law.

How Long Does It Take?

  • Small residential plots: 1–3 weeks (fieldwork and plan).

  • Large estate or topographic surveys: Several weeks to months.

  • Registration at government office: Varies by state, add 2–6 weeks (sometimes more).

Cost of Land Survey in Nigeria

Survey costs vary widely depending on location, plot size, and complexity. Here are general ranges:

  • Small plot in rural areas: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000

  • Urban plots (Lagos, Abuja, PH, etc.): ₦350,000 – ₦2,000,000+

  • Topographic or subdivision surveys: ₦500,000 – millions for large estates

  • Major infrastructure surveys: Negotiated, often tens of millions

Remember: costs include both professional fees and government registration fees. Always request a breakdown.

Common Scams in Land Surveying

Watch out for these traps:

  • Fake survey plans: Forged stamps and signatures.

  • Unregistered surveyors: They can’t lodge your plan.

  • Sketches instead of real plans: Only registered survey plans are legally valid.

  • Cheap shortcuts: Some operators charge very low but won’t follow through with registration.

Rule of thumb: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Tools Professional Land Surveyors Use Today

Modern surveyors in Nigeria use:

  • GNSS/RTK receivers for accurate positioning

  • Total stations for detailed measurements

  • Drones for aerial mapping

  • GIS & CAD software (QGIS, AutoCAD, ArcGIS)

  • LiDAR & photogrammetry for 3D modeling

These tools ensure accuracy, speed, and digital deliverables useful for future projects.

How to Choose the Right Land Surveyor in Nigeria

When hiring, consider these tips:

  1. Verify SURCON registration.

  2. Check their experience in your state/local area.

  3. Make sure they handle lodgement.

  4. Ask for written contracts and cost breakdowns.

  5. Review their portfolio and references.

  6. Ensure they use modern tools for accuracy.

  7. Confirm timeline and deliverables (survey plan, digital files, boundary pillars).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a seller’s survey plan?
Only if it is a registered plan and still valid. Always verify at the land registry.

Q: Who lodges the survey plan?
Only a licensed SURCON surveyor can lodge it at the Surveyor-General’s office.

Q: How much does it cost to survey land in Lagos?
Expect ₦350,000 – ₦2 million depending on location and size.

Q: Do I need a survey plan to apply for C of O?
Yes, a registered survey plan is mandatory.

Why You Should Never Skip a Surveyor

Land in Nigeria is valuable but risky. Working with professional land surveyors in Nigeria is the safest way to protect your investment. They ensure your land boundaries are accurate, legally recognized, and safe from disputes or government claims.

At Geoinfotech, we provide SURCON-registered surveyors, modern tools (GNSS, drones, GIS), and end-to-end services,  from boundary surveys to lodgement at the land registry.

Call us today on +234 816 322 2177
Lagos Office: Oluwalogbon House, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa Ikeja
Abuja Office: Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation Building, Plot 784A Herbert Macaulay Way, North, Abuja

RECENT ACTIVITIES AND PROJECT...

URABN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT IN CALABAR MUNICIPAL

URABN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT IN CALABAR MUNICIPAL

ANALYZING URBANIZATION TRENDS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA USING NIGHTTIME LIGHTS REMOTE SENSING DATA

ANALYZING URBANIZATION TRENDS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA USING NIGHTTIME LIGHTS REMOTE SENSING DATA

COMPREHENSIVE OFFSHORE SURVEILLANCE AND MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING

COMPREHENSIVE OFFSHORE SURVEILLANCE AND MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING

Comprehensive Aerial Survey and Mapping for Golf Course Asset Management at Lakowe Golf Lake

Comprehensive Aerial Survey and Mapping for Golf Course Asset Management at Lakowe Golf Lake

Professional Drone Training Program for Enhanced Corporate Security Operations at Sahara Group

Professional Drone Training Program for Enhanced Corporate Security Operations at Sahara Group

Advanced Aerial Topographic Survey and Mapping for Land Development in Ogun State

Advanced Aerial Topographic Survey and Mapping for Land Development in Ogun State

Precision RGB and Thermal Imaging Revolutionizes Solar Infrastructure Inspection In Enugu

Precision RGB and Thermal Imaging Revolutionizes Solar Infrastructure Inspection In Enugu

Advanced Drone-Based Topographic Survey for Precision Land Development Planning

Advanced Drone-Based Topographic Survey for Precision Land Development Planning

Mapping the Future: Comprehensive Area Survey Transforms Land Development in Akure

Mapping the Future: Comprehensive Area Survey Transforms Land Development in Akure

Precision Topographical Survey and Mapping for Smarter Infrastructure Planning

Precision Topographical Survey and Mapping for Smarter Infrastructure Planning

Precision Drone Volumetric Surveys: How Purechem Industries Optimized Mineral Stockpile Management

Precision Drone Volumetric Surveys: How Purechem Industries Optimized Mineral Stockpile Management

Advanced Mapping & Environmental Survey for Ilubirin Property, Lagos Island

Advanced Mapping & Environmental Survey for Ilubirin Property, Lagos Island

Unveiling the Invisible: LiDAR Technology Transforms Terrain Analysis in Abeokuta North

Unveiling the Invisible: LiDAR Technology Transforms Terrain Analysis in Abeokuta North

 DETAILED AERIAL, LAND SURVEY AND GIS ANALYSIS FOR ADVANCED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

 DETAILED AERIAL, LAND SURVEY AND GIS ANALYSIS FOR ADVANCED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

Professional Drone Mapping and GIS Training For ETA-ZUMA Mining Company

Professional Drone Mapping and GIS Training For ETA-ZUMA Mining Company

Installation of Intelligent Traffic Lights

Installation of Intelligent Traffic Lights

Geological Report on a Mining/Exploration Survey

Geological Report on a Mining/Exploration Survey

Drone Survey and Mapping of Shaishen Foods Limited

Drone Survey and Mapping of Shaishen Foods Limited

Lidar Topographic Mapping Project

Lidar Topographic Mapping Project

Geophysical/hydrogeophysical Studies for Groundwater Development

Geophysical/hydrogeophysical Studies for Groundwater Development

Togo Digital Terrain Model Project

Togo Digital Terrain Model Project

Drone Mapping of Parts of Lome Rail Line for Graceland Energy Located at Lome Togo

Drone Mapping of Parts of Lome Rail Line for Graceland Energy Located at Lome Togo

Drone/land Survey of Pure-chem Industrial Limited, Ogun State.

Drone/land Survey of Pure-chem Industrial Limited, Ogun State.

Drone Inspection/survey of Southern Lake Estate, Chevron, Lekki, Lagos State

Drone Inspection/survey of Southern Lake Estate, Chevron, Lekki, Lagos State

Anniversary-Workshop on the Application of Remote Sensing and Drone Technology in GIS -Abuja

Anniversary-Workshop on the Application of Remote Sensing and Drone Technology in GIS -Abuja

Topographic Mapping of Oyo State

Topographic Mapping of Oyo State

Topographic Mapping of Part of the Local Government Areas in Oyo State

Topographic Mapping of Part of the Local Government Areas in Oyo State

Topographic Mapping of Part of Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi State Local Government Area

Topographic Mapping of Part of Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi State Local Government Area

Political Map of South West, Nigeria Located in Nigeria

Political Map of South West, Nigeria Located in Nigeria

Topographic Mapping of Parts of Niger State Located at Niger State, Nigeria

Topographic Mapping of Parts of Niger State Located at Niger State, Nigeria

Topographic Mapping of Part of Kwara, Ekiti, and Kogi State Local Government Area Located in Nigeria

Topographic Mapping of Part of Kwara, Ekiti, and Kogi State Local Government Area Located in Nigeria

Topographic Mapping of Part of Kwara State Local Government Area Located at Kwara State Nigeria

Topographic Mapping of Part of Kwara State Local Government Area Located at Kwara State Nigeria

Flood Analysis of Amuwo-odofin Orthophoto.

Flood Analysis of Amuwo-odofin Orthophoto.

Site Inspection Using Drone of Water Corporation Located at Oke-aro Agege

Site Inspection Using Drone of Water Corporation Located at Oke-aro Agege

24,000 meter Lome Rail Line for Drone Mapping, Graceland Energy Located at Lome, Togo

24,000 meter Lome Rail Line for Drone Mapping, Graceland Energy Located at Lome, Togo

10 Drone Inspection Traffic Signal in Lagos

10 Drone Inspection Traffic Signal in Lagos

Lagos October 1st Free GIS Training Workshop

Lagos October 1st Free GIS Training Workshop

Osun state parcel project

Osun state parcel project

Drone Mapping & Vectorization Of Abu-allied Farm

Drone Mapping & Vectorization Of Abu-allied Farm

Proposal for aerial deployment, tracking and monitoring of threats in victoria island phase 1 and ikoyi phase 2, nigeria

Proposal for aerial deployment, tracking and monitoring of threats in victoria island phase 1 and ikoyi phase 2, nigeria

Jabi Lake Mall Solar Inspection – Abuja

Jabi Lake Mall Solar Inspection – Abuja

Ground Control and Drone Survey for Mast 3D Modeling

Ground Control and Drone Survey for Mast 3D Modeling

Telecom Drone 3D and 2D Modeling of Cellsite

Telecom Drone 3D and 2D Modeling of Cellsite

Free GIS Spatial Analysis Training (Lagos Branch)

Free GIS Spatial Analysis Training (Lagos Branch)

800 Building Plots Aerial Capture and Delineation for Database. Greenfield Estate

800 Building Plots Aerial Capture and Delineation for Database. Greenfield Estate

100 Hectares Aerial Survey with Differential GPS of High Accuracy

100 Hectares Aerial Survey with Differential GPS of High Accuracy

Protected: Nigeria Crime Report and Dashboard

Protected: Nigeria Crime Report and Dashboard

Drone Survey and Mapping – Victoria Island  Copy

Drone Survey and Mapping – Victoria Island Copy

Akwa-Ibom 500 Hectares Drone Survey and Mapping in Nigeria

Akwa-Ibom 500 Hectares Drone Survey and Mapping in Nigeria

Ground Control Establishment – Republic of the Niger – Kano, Kastina, Jigawa, Kaduna

Ground Control Establishment – Republic of the Niger – Kano, Kastina, Jigawa, Kaduna

Drone Survey and Mapping – Victoria Island

Drone Survey and Mapping – Victoria Island

Control Point Establishment – DGPS

Control Point Establishment – DGPS

Land Survey – Northern Nigeria

Land Survey – Northern Nigeria

Biodiversity Mapping – Sweden

Biodiversity Mapping – Sweden

Flood Impact Mapping – United Kingdom

Flood Impact Mapping – United Kingdom

M and E GIS Dashboard for Control Establishment Project

M and E GIS Dashboard for Control Establishment Project

Geodatabase Management System Training For National Boundary Commission

Geodatabase Management System Training For National Boundary Commission

Nigeria Topographic Map – Project

Nigeria Topographic Map – Project

Abuja Training on Introduction to GIS

Abuja Training on Introduction to GIS

200 Hectares Land and Drone Survey – Lagos Nigeria

200 Hectares Land and Drone Survey – Lagos Nigeria

Inspection of 30 hectares drainage

Inspection of 30 hectares drainage

Drainage Drone Mapping and Surveying in Lagos Nigeria

Drainage Drone Mapping and Surveying in Lagos Nigeria

GIS Cadastral Mobile Application

GIS Cadastral Mobile Application

Abuja Topographical Map – HD GIS Mapping

Abuja Topographical Map – HD GIS Mapping

Ground Topography Survey (Lagos Island)

Ground Topography Survey (Lagos Island)

2.7km2 Topography Survey in Snake Island

2.7km2 Topography Survey in Snake Island

GIS Masterclass

GIS Masterclass

Sokoto Contour Map

Sokoto Contour Map

NDVI Vegetation Assessment in Lagos State

NDVI Vegetation Assessment in Lagos State

Lagos drone training master class

Lagos drone training master class

Ifako drone topographic survey and mapping

Ifako drone topographic survey and mapping

CMD Lagos 3D mapping aerial modeling

CMD Lagos 3D mapping aerial modeling

GIS and Drone Masterclass

GIS and Drone Masterclass

Drone aerial survey and mapping – Lagos Island _ Somolu

Drone aerial survey and mapping – Lagos Island _ Somolu

Covid-19 | Nigeria Data Visualisation

Covid-19 | Nigeria Data Visualisation

Benue Flood Analysis

Benue Flood Analysis

Aerial photography Ile-Ife Osun State

Aerial photography Ile-Ife Osun State

Kenya Forest Project

Kenya Forest Project

Tunsun Consultants Ltd

Tunsun Consultants Ltd

Introduction To Gis In Maritime at the National Boundary Commission

Introduction To Gis In Maritime at the National Boundary Commission

Training on GIS and Drone Mapping (batch-4 & 5)

Training on GIS and Drone Mapping (batch-4 & 5)

Osun Flood Mapping

Osun Flood Mapping

Lahass International Limited

Lahass International Limited

Linguistic Association of Nigeria

Linguistic Association of Nigeria

West African Indexing Services

West African Indexing Services

Lagos Ikeja Road Network Map

Lagos Ikeja Road Network Map

LASU Land Regularisation Portal

LASU Land Regularisation Portal

Lingua Plus International

Lingua Plus International

Lagferry Web Route

Lagferry Web Route

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

COURSES

Explore Geoinfotech courses and establish a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to be productive with the latest Technology.

1000 University Student in Drone and GIS

This course is designed to equip university students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to become proficient in…

Find out more

Spatial Analysis using ArcGIS

Learn essential concepts and a standard workflow you can apply to any spatial analysis project.
Duration: 2 Weekends (Every Friday 2pm and Saturday 10am)
Package: Field Experience, 100% Hands-on practical, jotter, Biro and Software
Others: Test, Exam and Certificate

Find out more

Drone Pilot for Beginners to Professional

The Drone Professional Training course is a comprehensive program designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate drones effectively and safely in a professional setting.
Duration: 3 Weekends (Every Friday 2pm and Saturday 10am)
Package: Field Experience, 100% Hands-on practical, jotter, Biro and Software Others, Test, Exam and Certificate.

Find out more
Training Venue Available in,Lagos and Abuja100253Nigeria
+ Google Map

Differential GPS (DGPS) Land Surveying Training

Professional 2 weekends ▪ Field Experience 5.0 (100% Practical) ▪ Exam & CertificateFree Software and AppsHands on Practical and Field…

Find out more