₦airaland Forum

HOW LAND/BUILDING ARE BOUGHT USING IRREVOCABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

In Eastern Nigeria and some parts of South South Nigeria, land is bought using an Irrevocable Power of Attorney, but it is not a common standard.

For example, in Rivers State, it is not used.
Unlike the usual power of attorney that can be cancelled, this one is designed to be permanent.

It is commonly used to transfer authority to another person to do with a land or building whatever he feels like.

So instead of signing a Deed of Conveyance or Deed of Assignment, the seller gives the buyer an irrevocable power of attorney, authorizing the buyer to manage or sell.

In practice, it serves as proof of ownership transfer.

In the eyes of the law, an irrevocable power of attorney does not carry the same finality as a Deed of Conveyance or Deed of Assignment.

The Eastern authorities recognize it but the Courts and Property Lawyers warn that relying solely on it can create disputes later, especially if the seller's family challenges the transaction.

Once a seller signs an irrevocable power of attorney, he cannot withdraw it. So a land buyer is advised to get an experienced Property Lawyer to prepare a comprehensive irrevocable power of attorney with a registered Survey Plan attached.

Used correctly, it can secure land transactions; used carelessly, it can fuel endless issues.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

HOW TO GIFT A LOVED ONE A LAND OR BUILDING

Did you know you can transfer land, building or property as a gift to someone you love? That is the power of a Deed of Gift.

A Deed of Gift is a legal document with which a person voluntarily and freely transfers ownership of land, house or other property to another person without collecting money or any form of payment.

It is an act of generousity, used by parents and older siblings to give property to children, relatives or charitable organizations. Once signed, it has the same legal effect as if the property were sold.

For a Deed of Gift to be valid in Nigeria, the donor (the person giving) must have absolute ownership of the property, the intention to give must be clear and the Deed must be signed and registered.

Registration tell the whole world that ownership has changed hands, and it protects the donee (receiver) from future disputes or claims.

Without a proper Deed of Gift, a gift of property may be challenged, especially by family members who feel entitled to the property. But with a Deed of Gift, the receiver enjoys full legal ownership and the gift cannot be taken back.

Getting a Property Lawyer to prepare a Deed of Gift is the solid legal way to give property freely and avoid future problems.

So when love or legacy inspires you to give, do it right. Let a Property Lawyer prepare a Deed of Gift to protect your intention forever.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

THE DOCUMENT YOUR PROPERTY LAWYER SHOULD PREPARE WHEN YOU BUY LAND OR BUILDING - DEED OF CONVEYANCE

When buying land/house, paying money is not enough. Without proper documentation, you may end up not owning the land/building you paid for.

A Deed of Conveyance is a legal document prepared by a Property Lawyer, transferring ownership of land or building from the seller to the buyer. It stands as undeniable proof that the sale is complete.

Think of it as the voice of the land saying: this property now belongs to you. Without it, your claim of buying the property can be challenged, no matter how much you paid.

Under Nigerian law, a valid Deed of Conveyance must clearly identify the parties, describe the property, state the purchase price and be signed, sealed and delivered. It must also be registered at the appropriate quarters. This protects you from fraud, double sales or future disputes.

Many people lose properties because they only held receipts or informal agreements. A Deed of Conveyance is officially recognized by the courts, enforceable against every other person.

It is your evidence of ownership of land/building.

So when you buy land/building, get a Property Lawyer to draft/prepare and register a Deed of Conveyance for you. After you and the seller and witnesses on both sides sign, the Property Lawyer will register the Deed of Conveyance.

Know this and know peace.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

DO DUE DILIGENCE (INVESTIGATIONS) WHEN BUYING LAND OR HOUSE

If you are planning to buy your own land or building, before you pay remember that due diligence (investigation) is your first line of action.

Due diligence means thoroughly investigating a property before you pay for it. It is background check for your proposed investment.

First, demand to see the seller's original ownership documents. Then get an experienced Property Lawyer to visit the land and verify the documents. He will confirm if the seller truly owns the property or not.

Don’t just take the seller's word for it. Talk is cheap. Anybody can claim to be what he is not. Don't let looks deceive you.

The Property Lawyer will also check if there are disputes, court cases or family quarrels tied to the property and he will inspect for unpaid taxes, government acquisition or hidden debts.

There is a lot you stand to lose if you don't engage a trusted Property/Real Estate Lawyer to make findings over land/building you want to buy.

In these days of widespread dishonesty and fraudulent activities, you will be shocked to know what he will discover. Investigating a land/building you want to buy will save you a lot of trouble and losses.

Many have made the mistake of not getting professional legal help in making findings.

Investigate before you invest. That is the safe way to buy land/house.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

MISTAKES TO AVOID IN PROPERTY AND BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS

One of the big mistakes people make in property and business transactions is ignoring early warning signs of danger.

Many lose their land, houses and business/company because they did not recognize the simple red flags staring them in the face. Protecting yourself begins with awareness.

In property and real estate, a sign of trouble is when a land/building seller cannot produce clean ownership documents such as a Deed of Conveyance/Assignment, Certificate of Occupancy, etc.

When the land has multiple claims of ownership or the seller insists you should “just buy now before it is gone” without due process, avoid the property. If you cannot trace the ownership, do not buy.

Be careful with unclear land boundaries and missing survey plans.

In business and corporate dealings, danger signals include partners/directors who resist transparency and accountability, businesses without registration and contracts without dispute resolution clauses.

Avoid businesses without legal compliance like annual returns, tax filings, or SCUML certification. These lapses are often deliberate and can collapse the entire business.

Whenever documents, processes or people appear confusing, pause and seek legal guidance from a Property and Business Lawyer before committing your money or signature.

Prevention is cheaper than cure. The law protects the vigilant, not the careless.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

WHY YOU NEED A PROPERTY AND BUSINESS LAWYER

Imagine walking into a courtroom convinced you can win your case alone, armed with a few Google searches, scattered advice from friends and blind confidence.

Now picture the opposing party, backed by an experienced Lawyer who knows the loopholes, traps and strategies that can bury your arguments before you even finish speaking. That is the sad reality of representing yourself legally.

The law is not just about telling your own side of the story. It is a battlefield of technicalities, procedures, precedents and rules designed to protect the prepared and crush the unprepared.

One wrong word, one missed deadline one poorly drafted document can cost you your land, business or lots of money.

The court will not pity you for representing yourself. Emotions have no place in law. It will simply apply the law and the law does not forgive mistakes.

So engage an experienced Property and Business Lawyer who knows the traps that swallow self-represented persons and strategies that secure legal victories.

At Apex Chambers, we have seen promising cases collapse because someone thought they could save costs by avoiding getting a Lawyer. They end up losing out big time.

Self-representation may look like bravery, but it is far from it.

Get proper legal guidance/help in your property and business matters.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

THE SECRETS THE SELLER AND AGENT WILL NOT TELL YOU WHEN BUYING LAND/BUILDING

When it comes to buying land/building/property in Port Harcourt and indeed anywhere in Nigeria, there is always information that the seller and agent will never reveal.

That is because the less you know, the more you stand to lose and the more they stand to gain.

Sellers will never tell you that the land you are buying is already tied up in claims, disputes or under government acquisition.

Agents will not admit that they are pushing you to buy a particular land/building because their commission is bigger, not because the property is safe or profitable for you as buyer.

Even friends and relatives you trust might keep quiet about risks because they do not want to upset you or lose face.

In every property transaction, there are carefully hidden issues that only surface after you have paid.

These include ownership and other legal issues that make your ownership shaky from day one; unpaid development levies and unsettled community demands. By the time you discover them, your money is gone.

This is why you need an experienced Property Lawyer who will uncover what the other side is hiding, dig up the buried facts and ensure that your property investment is built on solid ground.

In real estate, what you do not know can destroy what you have. Smart investors do not rush into property transactions; they make sure no secret stays hidden.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

WHAT MANY LAND/HOUSE SELLERS HOPE YOU NEVER DISCOVER

Behind so many land/building/property purchase deals lie hidden truths. The fact is that there is a very high likelihood that the people you are dealing with will never volunteer that truth, because exposing it could cost them the sale.

No seller will openly confess that the land they are showing you to buy has a boundary dispute. No estate agent will tell you that the property sits on a proposed government project site.

They may never explain to you that once you pay for the land, compulsory fees for traditional rites, youth levies and community demands will suddenly surface.

These hidden realities will cost you a lot you did not budget for. Many land buyers, including Nigerians abroad, only find out after paying for the land. By then they are left with dragging the issues, conflicts, court cases or land they cannot develop.

The fact is, property deals are never as clean as they appear. Opposing parties carefully present a polished story while hiding the problems the land/house has.

That is why the smartest buyer never walks into transactions without legal help.

Engage a trusted Property Lawyer who will see through the cover-ups, dig into records and reveal risks before it is too late.

The difference between profit and pain lies in exposing what others desperately want to hide from you.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

WRONG BELIEFS IN PROPERTY AND BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS

It is sad that many people lose money because they build their decisions on myths instead of the law.

One of the most dangerous misconceptions is believing that once you have a receipt for land/building, you are safe.

A receipt is not ownership; it is merely evidence of payment. Until your land/building has the proper purchase documents, someone else with valid documents can take it from you.

Another common mistake is assuming that registering a business name limits your liability. Registering a business name gives you the right to use that name and does not protect you from or reduce your liabilities.

Only company incorporation creates a separate legal entity that can protect you from personal risks.

Many also believe that oral agreements are enough. But in property and business, what is not written and signed is as good as not existing. Courts mostly rely on documents, not memory.

Also, filing annual returns is not optional and not filing it can lead to heavy penalties, loss of corporate status and even closure of your company/business.

The law is not based on assumptions, street advice or what people are saying. It is based on facts, the right documents and compliance.

So don't let misconceptions ruin your property and business investments. Consult a Property and Business Lawyer before taking property or business steps.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

WHEN BUYING LAND/BUILDING, CONFIRM THAT OWNERSHIP IS GENUINE

One of the most common issues people encounter in property/land transactions is fake ownership. It can best be described as a property investment epidemic.

Too many land buyers get excited by a nice location, cheap price or sweet mouth from sellers. Just remember that the if the documents are not clear, authentic and traceable, you are in for legal trouble.

Defective land documents are the fastest way to lose out. Forged Deed of Conveyance/Assignment, fake C of O, forged Power of Attorney or documents issued by the wrong authority can make you an owner merely on paper but not in law.

Some properties are sold with forged papers or multiple sellers parading conflicting ownership documents. These problems are avoidable.

A property without valid ownership documents is like a car without an engine. It may look fine but it can never take you anywhere.

Take the words of land sellers and agents during negotiation with a pinch of salt, as the reality can turn into Police and court cases, demolition, Government takeovers, and outright forfeiture.

When buying land/building, do not downplay the full confirmation of the authenticity of legal documents and clean ownership. Not doing this is unpardonable error.

Engage an experienced Property and Real Estate Lawyer to cross-check, verify and confirm authenticity at the right places.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

HOW USING WRONG BUSINESS NAME CAN AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

The name of your business is not just a label. It is your identity, your brand, your first impression and your passport to opportunities.

Yet many entrepreneurs in Nigeria make the terrible mistake of rushing into business with the wrong name only to realize too late that their growth is affected.

Imagine building your business for years only to discover that your chosen name cannot be registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) because it is similar to an existing business or another business has already secured exclusive rights to it.

You are unable to open a corporate account for your business, investors rethink and transactions slip out of your hands.

A wrong business/company name can also send the wrong message. Some names sound too narrow, limiting expansion into other industries.

Others sound unprofessional, making customers doubt your credibility. In today’s competitive market, perception is everything.

The right business or company name should be unique, professional, scalable and protectable under law. This is why you must consult a Business/Corporate Lawyer before settling for a name.

He will run availability searches, ensure the name is not trademarked by another and guide you to pick one that secures your growth.

Choose wisely.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

WHY YOU SHOULD ALWAYS FILE YOUR BUSINESS ANNUAL RETURNS

Many Nigerian entrepreneurs wrongly assume that filing annual returns is just another government formality. That is not so.

Filing annual returns keeps your business/company legally alive and complies with business regulatory rules. When you ignore them, you face financial loss, legal issues and regulatory embarrassment.

When you fail to file annual returns, the CAC flags your business as inactive. That label is not good for your business.

With that, you cannot fully do business, access loan facilities, bid for contracts or attract serious investors. Partners who once trusted you will lose faith when they see 'inactive' beside your company name on CAC records.

The CAC has the legal power to remove your business/company from its register. Don't build a business for years and lose itet it.

At that point, every Agreement/Contract or transaction in your business/company’s name becomes questionable.

Each year you fail to file adds penalties. By the time you know it, the accumulated debt is so high that reviving the business/company feels overwhelming.

Many businesses have collapsed, not because they lacked customers, clients or profit, but simply because they ignored compliance.

So get a Business/Corporate Lawyer to file your annual returns on time. It is better to comply now. Protect your company’s image and survival.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

AVOID BUYING LAND OR BUILDING UNDER OR NEAR HIGH TENSION ELECTRICITY WIRES

Many land buyers get excited when they see a piece of land with a very low price, only to later discover why it was cheap; it is sitting directly on high-tension electricity lines.

High-tension corridors are danger zones. First, there is the obvious safety risk. A falling wire, spark or accident could set an entire building/property on fire.

Living under or close to high tension or other power cables exposes you to fire hazards, constant electromagnetic radiation, linked to health concerns like insomnia, stress and even long-term serious illnesses.

Then comes the legal trouble. In Nigeria, electricity transmission companies have legal right of way over such area.

They can stop your property development or restrict your use of your land, without paying you compensation. Courts have repeatedly upheld their powers, leaving helpless buyers stranded.

Some land sellers may not know all this, but they offload the problem on you, the innocent buyer. By the time you realise the danger, it may be too late to cancel the purchase transaction.

No matter how attractive the deal sounds, avoid buying land under or close to high-tension lines.

Always insist on a registered survey plan and due diligence (investigation) by a Property Lawyer before payment.

Buy smart. Safety first. Protect yourself and your family.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

HOW TO AVOID PAYING FOR  LAND ALREADY SOLD TO OTHERS

It is painful paying for land/building only to discover that it has been sold to others. In Nigeria, multiple land sales are one of the fastest ways people lose money and it is more common than you realize.

Landowners can become greedy and sell the same land to different buyers. Family members fight and secretly resell family land.

The result is unending issues, court cases and years of waste.

If you buy land/building without proper checks, you may suddenly find another buyer with documents and claiming it. Then your receipt and Agreement will not help you.

To avoid this, never buy land based on physical possession or the words of the seller or agent.

Let a Property Lawyer land confirm whom the real owner is and whether the land has been sold or transferred before. Also, insist that the seller and all principal members of the family (if it is family land) sign your sale agreement. Where the land belonging to a real estate company, ensure the directors authorized the sale.

So get a Property Lawyer to run background checks, confirm if the land falls under Government acquisition or other issues, verify documents and prepare purchase Agreement that contains clauses protecting you from double sales.

Do not be deceived by false urgency, pressure or unusually cheap prices. Take your time, do due diligence.

Buy right.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

HERE IS WHY EVERY SERIOUS PERSON OR BUSINESS NEEDS A PERSONAL LAWYER

Imagine having a legal emergency, maybe a land purchase dispute, a Property or business Agreement/Contract gone wrong, a sudden legal regulatory issue or the need to consult a Property and Business Lawyer and you have none who truly knows your affairs.

That is where a Legal Retainership makes all the difference.

A Retainership simply is securing a Lawyer or law firm to be your personal Lawyer Lawyer.

There are two types: General Retainership, which covers all legal needs affecting you in one or more areas of life, and Special Retainership which focuses on just one particular matter or issue.

At Apex Chambers, we see the value of this daily. Just last week, a young man whom we handled a legal matter for his brother told us “I want Apex Chambers to be my personal Lawyers from now on.”

We drafted a Legal Retainership Agreement and signed. He left, knowing he now has a solid legal help around him.

The benefits of a Legal Retainership are much: stand-by access to legal advice, protection against mistakes, a Lawyer who understands your history and confidence that someone is always ready to give you legal help.

The alternative is wandering from Lawyer to Lawyer in times of crisis, exposing yourself to poor advice, delays and losing ground.

A Legal Retainership is the legal protection you need for smart living.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

IMPORTANCE OF REGISTERED SURVEY PLAN WHEN BUYING LAND/BUILDING

It is a painful thing to pay for a piece of land and later discover later discover from the official mapy of the State that what you bought is not free/available for purchase.

That is exactly what happens when you buy land without a proper Survey Plan.

A Survey Plan is a legal document that shows the exact location, co-ordinates, size, boundaries and beacon numbers of the land.

The land may overlap with government-acquired land, a neighbour's land or even fall inside a road expansion or drainage channel.

When the Government or rightful owner comes, your fences, houses and development could be legally pulled down.

Many sellers deceive buyers with rough sketches or fake survey plan. Some tell you “you have nothing to worry about.” Do not agree. You have a lot to worry about.

A genuine Survey Plan is prepared by a licensed Surveyor and confirmed by an experienced Property Lawyer, including whether the land is free or under acquisition.

Before you pay any money for land/ building, insist on seeing the Survey Plan. Take it to a Property Lawyer for verification, and get a Surveyor to prepare a registered Survey Plan for you.

If you don't do this, you have too much to lose.

Protect your investment. If the seller cannot show you his valid Survey Plan, walk away no matter how attractive the price looks.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

DO NOT LET BAD PROPERTY/LAND PURCHASE ADVICE SWALLOW YOUR MONEY

Everyone may have something to say about property, but not everyone knows enough.

Some people simply do not have the knowledge or experience to protect your hard-earned money or property interests.

What you need is not random talk, but someone who understands your legal needs, appreciates legal implications in property transactions, stand for you, defend your interests and open the doors to genuine, high-value property purchase opportunities in Port Harcourt and its environs.

Many Nigerians abroad lose millions of naira because they rely on the wrong people. Some share their plans with relatives or friends who cannot guarantee that the land is genuine, safe or profitable.

Some even hand over the buying process entirely, only to be scammed or end up with property with hidden legal issues, resulting in painful losses and bitter disappointments.

Recently at Apex Chambers, we asked a client: “do the people advising you have verified access to lands in Port Harcourt?”

He quickly answered “Yes, my friends and family know what I want.”

Then we asked: “but can they guarantee the land is safe, genuine and profitable?”

Silence. That silence is the danger gap.

In real estate, who you trust matters just as much as what you know.

A Property Lawyer who understands the risk and can secure your investment makes all the difference.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

OPEN UP FULLY TO YOUR  LAWYER

Do you know that the safest vault in the world is not made of steel, but of words spoken to your Lawyer? That is the true power of Lawyer/Client Privilege.

The law guarantees that anything you tell your Lawyer is strictly confidential. It is not idle talk, it is not gossip, it is protected information sealed by law and ethics.

No one, not even the courtAs, can order your Lawyer to reveal it. This makes your Lawyer more than just an adviser; he is your trusted guardian of secrets.

Sadly, many people weaken their own matter because they hold back out of fear or shame. They worry that if they tell the whole truth, it might somehow be used against them. But the exact opposite is true.

Your Lawyer cannot disclose what you confide in him with, else he will be liable for professional misconduct.

Just as you would not hide your body pains from a doctor if you want healing, you must never hide the truth from your Lawyer if you want real legal protection.

The strength of your business deal, your property transaction or your defence partly depends on how much your Lawyer knows.

Half-truths build weak legal foundations, but full disclosure gives your Lawyer the power to design the strongest shield for you.

Lawyer/Client Privilege is your right, your assurance that you can open up fully without fear.

So when next you consult your Lawyer, remember that your secrets are safe with him.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

FENCE YOUR LAND/BUILDING AFTER BUYING IT 

Many landowners think buying land is the final step. But there is more to be done. Leaving your land unfenced is like leaving your wallet on a public seat: anyone can access it, trespass on it or even resell it behind your back.

In Nigeria, so many landowners discover too late that strangers have built shops, houses or even planted crops on their land, because there was no clear boundary.

Other than marking boundaries, a solid perimeter fence serves as physical evidence of possession and a strong legal defence if disputes arise.

Courts in Nigeria often view fencing as proof that you are in active possession of the land. Without it, your ownership can be challenged by squatters or land grabbers claiming ignorance of your ownership.

Fencing also discourages encroachment. Opportunists hardly trespass when they see walls, gates or even simple dwarf fence. Beyond security, a perimeter fence increases the property value. Buyers and tenants perceive fenced land as more secure, organized and investment-ready.

At Apex Chambers, we always advise that waiting to fence later is not the best. By the time you return, your land may have been taken over by encroachers who will fight tooth and nail to remain there.

Protect your land the moment you buy it. A fence may look like mere concrete and blocks, but it is your legal edge helping you avoid land tussle.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

INVESTIGATE FLOOD-PRONE OR WATER-FRONT LAND/HOUSE BEFORE BUYING IT

Imagine saving for years to finally buy land, only to watch the river or flood creep in each rainy season until your land disappears.

This is a painful reality for those who buy flood-prone or waterfront land without proper legal and environmental checks.

In Nigeria, such lands are usually cheap and tempting, but what looks like a bargain today could turn out to be a financial mistake tomorrow.

Once Government labels an area as a flood zone or earmarks it for dredging, drainage expansion or shoreline protection, your ownership rights can be challenged or outrightly revoked, leaving you stranded without compensation.

One big danger is that with each rainy season, floods gradually weaken the soil, washing away boundaries, destroying fences, collapsing buildings and making your land practically worthless.

Some land buyers only realize their error when nature reclaims the land. Others face plenty issues with neighbours after floodwaters shift beacons/pillers and alter boundaries.

Before you buy land/building commit, consult a Property Lawyer to investigate zoning laws, environmental approvals, master plans and historic flood records.

Due diligence investigation will save you from sinking millions of naira into a property that nature will swallow.

Cheap flood-prone or water front land is never truly cheap; it only hides a debt that nature may one day collect.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

THE BEST TIME TO BUY LAND/BUILDING IS DURING THE RAINY SEASON

Many land buyers make one mistake: they buy land/house during the dry season when the ground is firm, the roads look inviting and everything appears flawless.

But the best and safest time to buy land/building in Nigeria is during the rainy season, particularly between March and October. The reason is that rainfall exposes the lies that dry soil hides.

In the dry season, even a swamp can feel as firm as concrete. Flood-prone areas look deceptively stable. Plots that will later drown in water appear solid.

Roads that will soon turn into rivers look motorable and passable. Then gullies and erosion-prone areas don't look it. But once the rains fall, nothing remains hidden.

You immediately see if a plot floods after every downpour, if it stays waterlogged for weeks, if the road becomes impassable or if erosion is silently eating away the land.

When you buy land/building during the rainy season, you discover the true drainage pattern, the strength of the soil, and the reliability of the road network.

You also gain bargaining power because most buyers are too afraid to inspect land when it is wet, giving you a better chance at negotiating a fair deal.

Ignoring this advice may lead to building collapse, homes submerged, roads washed away and losses.

Buy land/house during the rainy season.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

REGISTER THE RIGHT BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Choosing a business structure in Nigeria is not just about filling incorporation forms. Many entrepreneurs rush into business using the wrong structure only to realize late that they have trapped themselves in a debt cycle they cannot escape.

Imagine running a sole proprietorship business and taking a loan to expand your operations. Business goes bad and creditors come for you.

With that structure, you are personally liable for every debt/liability. Creditors can come after your business and personal assets. That single mistake can wipe out all you have worked for.

Partnerships without proper written Agreements are bad. One partner’s reckless borrowing or fraudulent dealings can drag everyone into a debt pit, regardless of who caused the damage.

Operating a business without understanding your liabilities exposes you to personal lawsuits.

The wrong structure limits your growth and ties you to debts that outlive the business itself.

The smart move is to sit with a Business and Corporate Lawyer before incorporation.

With expert legal guidance you select the right structure. Be it Business Name (Enterprises), Limited Liability Company (Ltd), Limited Partnership (LP), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Limited by Guarantee (Ltd/Gte), Incorporated Trustees (NGO), Unlimited (Unltd), with written Agreements that best suits you while boosting investor and lender confidence.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

FILE YOUR BUSINESS/COMPANY ANNUAL RETURNS

Many Nigerian business owners believe that once their business/company is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) that is all they need.

Annual returns are compulsory yearly filings you submit to CAC showing information and business activities.

Incorporation alone is not all. You are also required to file annual returns.

When you don't file your business annual returns, your company is flagged as inactive on CAC’s portal. That is a silent killer of opportunities.

Banks refuse to grant loans facilities, investors lose confidence, Government contracts are out of reach and discerning clients/customers quietly back out.

Nobody wants to stake their money or reputation on a business that appears dead on arrival.

As if that is not enough trouble, the CAC has the legal power to strike out your business/company’s name completely from its register.

Now imagine building your brand, winning customers/clients and investing for years only to wake up one day and find that your business legally does not exist.

The process of restoring it is stressful, time-consuming, and far more expensive than simply filing returns in time.

Annual returns are affordable, quick and straightforward, yet their value is priceless. They keep your company alive, credible and legally recognized.

So get a Business/Corporate Lawyer to file your business annual returns.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

HOW TO AVOID BUYING A LAND OR BUILDING WITH A COURT CASE

Imagine paying fully for a nice piece of land, fencing it and then a court bailiff arrives with a court order: Stop work and vacate the land.

Your payment receipt, registered survey plan and even land purchase Agreement (Deed of Conveyance or Assignment) will not save you if there is a court judgment or pending case over that land.

In Nigeria, land can be secretly entangled in court injunctions, foreclosure legal proceedings, ownership claims counterclaim cases and you will not know.

Once a judgment against the seller exists or litigation is pending, any person who pays for the land has thrown away his money.

That low price of the land is because the land seller is offloading a legal problem on unlucky you.

Protect yourself with serious due diligence (investigation) by a Property Lawyer who will run a litigation search at the relevant Court registries using the seller’s name, the land description and any previous owners.

He will also check the Land Registry and official records for cautions, caveats and issues.

When buying land or building, insist on a sale agreement with seller's warranty and indemnity clause covering undisclosed cases or judgments.

When you hear “the case will soon be settled," run without looking back.

Until the Supreme Court delivers judgement on the case, avoid the land.

Be careful.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

A PERSON BELOW 21 YEARS CANNOT BUY OR OWN LAND EXCEPT BY INHERITANCE

Many young people dream of buying land early, but the law in Nigeria is that if you are not yet 21 years old, you cannot legally buy or own property, unless you inherited it.

The reason is that the law considers anyone under 21 too young to carry the heavy legal duties that come with land ownership.

Think of it this way: owning property is not just about paying money and collecting receipt and purchase documents. It involves signing a land purchase Agreement, taking responsibility for taxes and maybe standing in court to defend your property rights.

He may not fully handle these obligations, so the law blocks land/building ownership until the age of 21.

One exception is inheritance: if land/house is willed to you or you inherit it traditionally, then you can own it. The other exception is if you have a legal trustee, guardian or legal representative who will hold the land/building for you until you are 21 years.

So anyone below 21 who rushes into buying land risks losing it, because the transaction is invalid in law.

So do not buy or gift property in the name of your children, wards or relatives under 21 years.

Land sellers too should be careful not to sell land to someone below 21 years.

If you are above 21 years, protect yourself by ensuring every land purchase is backed by solid land documents prepared by a Property Lawyer.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

GET A PROPERTY LAWYER TO INVESTIGATE THE CLAIMS BY ESTATE AGENT AND LAND SELLER

Every week, a huge number of unsuspecting land/building buyers in Nigeria hand over millions of naira to land sellers and real estate companies and walk away thinking they now own land.

Sadly, many later discover that what they bought was either Government-acquired land, family/community land under dispute or property already sold to many buyers. Why? Because they relied solely on an estate agent’s word without involving a Property Lawyer.

Estate agents are sales people. Their job is to connect you with supposed land owners and collect their percentage as agency fee.

They are not trained to verify documents, investigate ownership history or detect fraud for you. That is a Property Lawyer's job.

When you buy land based on what an agent tells you, you are basically on your own. Countless court cases have shown how buyers lost so much because they “the agent said the land is genuine.”

At Apex Chambers, we have seen pitiable cases where buyers paid fully, started building only for the rightful owners or Government agencies with police to show up with bulldozer and demolish everything.

Only a Property Lawyer can confirm land genuineness. Before you pay any money, let your lawyer conduct due diligence, check ownership documents and prepare the right Agreement.

Anything less is a shortcut to regret.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

LET A PROPERTY LAWYER INVESTIGATE THAT LAND/BUILDING YOU WANT TO BUY

At Apex Chambers we have come to the realization that too many people in Nigeria fall into the error of trusting land/building sellers and agents without verifying ownership.

They pay for land/building with joy, only to face unpleasant surprises later: multiple ownership claims on the same land, forged land documents or the land is already used as collateral for a loan (i.e. mortgage), etc.

Buying land without investigating its ownership should be included in 1,000 ways to die.

Land ownership documents like Deed of Conveyance indicate who owns it but only the investigations conducted by an experienced Property/Real Estate Lawyer will confirm whether the land seller has the legal authority to sell.

Without this professional check your transaction is shaky, no matter how genuine the seller appears to you.

Most people are not what they portray themselves to be. The earlier you knew this, the better.

At Apex Chambers, we have saved clients from making terrible mistakes and losses in land purchase by uncovering fake documents, double sales and cleverly hidden land issues.

Sadly, some come to us only after paying, when the damage is almost impossible to reverse.

Before you pay for land, let a trusted Property Lawyer verify the status of the land.

Real estate fraudsters thrive on buyers who skip proper legal search.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

HAVE A REGISTERED SURVEY PLAN WHEN BUYING LAND OR BUILDING

Imagine paying millions of naira for a piece of land and celebrating your ownership, only to later find out that the land is Government land or belongs to someone else.

This sad reality happens every day because many land buyers ignore one important land document: Survey Plan. Without it, you are not buying land; you are buying problem wrapped in soil.

A Survey Plan is a land drawing that shows the exact boundaries, size, coordinates and location of your land.

With a registered Survey Plan, a Property and Real Estate Lawyer will check if the land is free from Government acquisition, falls under a reserved area or has any existing issues.

At Apex Chambers, we have handled many  heartbreaking cases. Buyers come in tears after discovering that the land they paid for sits on a government proposed project, falls on oil pipeline route, proposed cemetery or even falls inside another person’s land.

Millions of naira wasted, all because they skipped making a registered survey plan.

So do not let land sellers and estate agents rush you with sweet talk or fake urgency. Always insist on getting a licensed Surveyor to prepare a registered Survey Plan for you.

Then get a Property and Real Estate Lawyer to use the Survey Plan to make full findings about the land.

Let a Property/Real Estate Lawyer guide you in your land/building purchase.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

LAND OR BUILDING PURCHASE MUST BE IN WRITING

“I give you my word” may sound honourable, but in land transactions words without documentation are not enough.

Many land/building buyers in Nigeria fall for sweet talk from land sellers or agents who assure them “don't worry, the papers will come later" or “this land is perfectly fine, trust me.”

Unfortunately, when ownership or other issues arise, courts do not honour spoken promises in land transactions; they honour written agreements and legally verifiable documents.

You know why? Because the law is that sale of land or house must be in writing.

In property law, everything depends on hard evidence. If ownership is challenged, it is not about who spoke more convincingly but who holds these documents: registered survey plan, Deed of Conveyance or Assignment (proof of ownership) and approvals.

Verbal assurances vanish like smoke in the wind. A buyer who trusts promises without paperwork is setting himself up for heartache.

At Apex Chambers, we have seen where families sold the same land to many buyers. But only the buyer who insisted on signing proper land purchase documents including receipt stood protected. Others lost their money.

So get an experienced Property and Real Estate Lawyer/Attorney to conduct legal verification of ownership, to know the legal status of the land/building and to prepare and register the necessary purchase documents.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

WHY A PROPERTY LAWYER SHOULD INVESTIGATE LAND/BUILDING BEFORE YOU BUY

Buying land without due diligence (investigations) is like walking aimlessly in pitch darkness inside a thick forest.

Many people rush into land deals in Nigeria, driven by pressure from sellers and smooth-talking agents who insist that “others are already buying. Only a few plots are remaining.”

In that hurry, buyers pay millions of naira for land that turns out to belong to someone else or to the Government.

Due diligence is not an optional step when buying land, building/house or property. It is what helps you detect fraud, avoid demolition, losing your money and to make wise property investment.

It means verifying the real ownership of the land, checking survey plans against Government records, confirming that the land is not under Government acquisition or in dispute, ensuring that the seller has authority to sell, and reviewing every single document.

Without it, you are venturing into a dicey investment on blind trust with your hard-earned money.

At Apex Chambers, we have seen people lose huge amounts of money because they felt they did not need to investigate the property, fighting endless court cases or watch bulldozer pull down their sweat.

Before you pay for that land/house, ask yourself "am I very certain I'm buying a genuine property with no issues?"

Prevention is better than cure.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

IN PROPERTY AND BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS, TRUST IS NOT A LEGAL STRATEGY

Trust is sweet in friendships and personal relationships, but in property and business, it is a dangerous emotion that can cost you a lot.

Many people enter transactions saying, “I trust him, he will not cheat me" or “we understand ourselves, so no need for documents so as not to complicate things.”

Incidentally, the courtroom is full of stories of trusted friends, business partners and even family members who turned bitter enemies when money, business and property got involved. Trust is not a legal strategy; written, clear and enforceable Agreements are.

Imagine handing millions of naira to a friend for land purchase without a Deed of Conveyance, only to discover that the land never belonged to him.

Or going into business with a relative without a Shareholder Agreement, and one day you are thrown out of the very company you invested funds in.

Courts do not enforce trust, they enforce legal documents. The judge will not ask how long you knew each other; he will ask for evidence of your agreement.

In property and business, what is written and legally sound is what counts. Trust fades, memories differ and promises are broken, but a properly drafted Agreement stands the test of time.

Before you invest or hand over money, involve a Property and Business Lawyer to draft and review an Agreement to protect your legal interests.

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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com

WHAT TO DO WHEN A PARTY TO A PROPERTY/BUSINESS AGREEMENT IS NOT LITERATE

If not properly handled, illiteracy can completely destroy a property or business agreement. This is why the law provides for what is called illiterate jurat.

An illiterate jurat is for the benefit of those who cannot read or write, ensuring they are not cheated, tricked or left in the dark about the agreement they are signing.

An illiterate jurat is a statement that must appear in any written Agreement involving an illiterate party.

It confirms that the document was read and explained to the illiterate person in a language he understands (e.g. from English to Igbo) and that he fully understood it. Only after this explanation will he put his mark.

When a person is not literate, he does not need to sign a signature. The law permits him to simply thumbprint with ink on the signature column. The thumbprint carries as much legal weight as a signature, provided the illiterate jurat is included in the Agreement.

Without an illiterate jurat, the Agreement can be challenged, declared invalid or used as proof that the illiterate person was misled. That means transactions can collapse just because of a missing jurat.

So it is important to involve a Property and Business Lawyer to draft Property and Business Agreement to ensure that everything necessary like illiterate jurat is included.
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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com