A Lagos-based real estate firm has requested police assistance to secure a development site in Lekki following ongoing disputes over the ownership of the land. The developer’s request for security coverage is intended to ensure that construction activities can proceed without physical interference or violent confrontation from opposing parties.
The decision follows a court ruling which established that the firm has a legitimate interest in the property. According to the court, the company successfully demonstrated its interest in the land through a valid deed of assignment.
The move to seek police protection to develop its Lekki property comes as developers in the Lagos metropolitan area increasingly face challenges from rival claimants during the construction phase of high-value projects.
Legal standing and land security in Lagos
The court’s recognition of the deed of assignment provides the firm with the legal basis to claim possession and begin work. In Nigerian property law, a deed of assignment is a critical document used to transfer the interest in land from a vendor to a purchaser, provided it is properly executed and registered.
The Lekki corridor, which remains one of Nigeria’s most lucrative real estate markets, is frequently a flashpoint for such litigation. Disputes often arise between institutional developers and various interest groups or individual claimants who allege prior rights to the land. These conflicts frequently escalate from legal battles in court to physical blockades and site disruptions.
By requesting a police presence, the firm aims to prevent any breach of peace that could disrupt project timelines or endanger workers on site. Such security measures are increasingly becoming an operational requirement for large-scale real estate projects in Lagos to mitigate the risks posed by land-related volatility.
The company is currently awaiting a response from the relevant security authorities to determine the level of protection that will be provided to facilitate the development.
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