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 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 and South-South Nigeria for agricultural purposes, based on first hand experience in this business.
As opposed to popular belief, Edo state indigenes are very amiable and accommodating.
I'm not saying that there are no criminal activities and black spots but if you've been in the state for a long time, you'll come to realize that Edo State is quiet, peaceful and accommodating. With deep respect for customs and tradition.
I have come to realise that most Nigerians don't like the truth, but nonetheless, 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,please 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. Most times you are solely responsible for mapping and surveying of the land.
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 you do very good research on their claims of ownership. 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 and is free from excision.

Most agricultural lands are remote areas. They might be accessible but the roads leading to them might not so smooth, etc. Grading might need to be done especially when purchasing very large acres of land.

- 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.
The relationship you cultivate and build with your host community is very important. It can help your business grow or can be a hindrance to your business development especially in the aspect of security.

- 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. If you cannot afford fencing it, you can use alternative means such as markers by making use of metal poles, trees, shrubs, etc.

- 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.

- Some communities don't allow cultivation of tree crops such as Rubber and oil palm (due to their own economic reasons and nothing traditional), while those that allow usually charge higher for such lands.
Please always ensure you state what you intend to cultivate before purchase.

-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!
Once you purchase a property in any community, please remember that you're now a member of that community and should act accordingly.

Try to cultivate good business and social relationship with your host community. Most times they might ask for some form of corporate social intervention.
NOTE-Lands in Edo state are 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 lands for agricultural or industrial purposes kindly call 08032252564 or WhatsApp 07053331484 (AceRoyal Nigeria Limited) or email aceroyal.ng@gmail.com
P.S-Please if you have any contribution(s), feel free to add yours.

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