ADVICE FOR THOSE INTENDING TO PURCHASE LARGE ACRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN EDO STATE.
Due to numerous phone calls and inquiries these past few weeks,I have been forced to come up with these simple advice to aid the smooth purchase of large acres of agricultural farmlands in Edo State.
I have noticed that due to the present economic recession our country is experiencing lots of people have gotten interested in going into large scale agriculture and thus high demand for large acres of land.
Some dubious individuals have seen this as an opportunity to scam individuals of their hard earned cash.
The advice I'm about to share here is for individuals or companies that want to purchase land in Edo state for agricultural purposes,based on first hand experience in this business.
Edo State as reflected in the recently concluded governorship elections is the most peaceful state in the South-South region. As opposed to popular belief,they are very amiable and accommodating.
The following points should be considered or put into play when purchasing or negotiating for farm lands.
*In as much as there is availability of large expanse of land in Edo state,most communities are very unwilling to sell as what is mostly available is "reserve community lands". Even if they agree to sell they usually make requests,such as the company/individual will provide borehole and other basic social amenities/services(time frame varies from one community to the other) as well as employment of their youths.
*Please Be careful and wary of ridiculous prices.E.g #40,000/acre.Some individuals will sell you a dummy,collect your money while feasting on your perceived greed and ignorance.Most lands sold in this manner might be collected back by various means, as all they are interested in is using you to clear or cultivate the lands,while they claim ownership after some very few short years.
*I have seen adverts claiming to have 700acres for sale,pls make sure u do thorough investigation before purchase as most of such adverts are scams. Most of these communities do not know exactly what an acre mean, neither do they know the exact number of acres they have.They only give estimates. Make sure the boundaries with other communities is well defined,and if there is a merger between communities,there should be thorough investigation, negotiations and a water tight agreement between the communities and yourself.The history of the communities should also be thoroughly investigated.
*No INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY can sell large acres of land,don't be fooled.Make sure u meet with both the Elders and youths of the community and reach an understanding and agreement before purchase.
*Make sure the land you intend to buy isn't a disputed land or encroaching into other community lands.
*Ensure you obey or comply with the customs and traditions of the host community. The people of Edo state take their culture and traditions very seriously.
*In the course of negotiations,it's very essential that you earn and keep the trust of the host community by keeping to time in every appointment and keeping to your words. Be firm and always state clearly what you want and expect,this should also be reflected in your agreement with the community when signed.
*Make sure every transaction is well documented and recorded.Make use of video recording for every meeting and transaction if possible.
*Always ensure you meet with the Community head and try to get the history of the community.
*Please ensure that the community has no issue of hostility.Some communities are not amiable due to the attitude of it's indigins.This might make doing business in such community quite unpleasant.
*Most communities cannot afford the expenses of doing a survey of their lands. Please make sure you do a land survey and CofO as soon as possible. If you don't have adequate cash to do a CofO, endeavor to do a land survey.
*Endeavour to do some form of fencing around your land, it should be well defined.
*Most documents available when purchasing large acres of land is community paper or certificate. Make sure your lawyer prepares a very good water tight agreement between you and the community.
*Above all follow your instincts and intuition.
*Ensure you get an agent that is specialized in agricultural real estate,that can help with your search,investigations and negotiations.Communication with your agent and community is very important and essential!
NOTE-Lands in Edo state is very fertile and suitable for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops.It's a very peaceful and amiable state with very hospitable people.
If you have enquiries or intend to purchase large expanse of farm land pls contact Mr.Courage (AceRoyal Consults) via 07053331484 (whatsapp or call).
P.S-Please if you have any contribution(s),feel free to add yours.