There are a lot of people who have fallow lands back in Nigeria. Its either they’re not ready to build or get any work done on it. Land purchase is a long-term investment with a high ROI.
However, it is one thing to buy land. It is another to assume possession over the land. There are several ways that you can exercise your possession over a land even if you’re not physically present where such land is located.
1. LEASING FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES: You can do a long lease (3-5 years & above) to any willing commercial firm to build a warehouse or other suitable facility depending on the location of the land.
The land is serving both the owner (lessor) and the company (lessee) at the same time. Also, the actual presence of the lessee on the virgin land terminates any act of trespass whatsoever.
2. ENGAGE IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES: Most people engage in this practice either for recreational or commercial end results. The essence of this practice is to ensure that there is a continuous presence of the land owner and a way to deter land grabbers from encroaching unto the land. Some of the examoles are subsistence farming, fishery farm and animal husbandry, etc.
3. INSTANT PERFECTION OF LAND TITLE: This practice often comes as a last resort for most land owners. Meanwhile, it should be the first approach whenever you purchase your land.
It’s important to note that once you perfect your title with the land registry (where your land is located), you have a valid title, and you can exert ownership over the parcel of land.
4. ERECT A SIGNAGE TO WADE OFF TRESPASSERS:
It has little or no effect, especially if the trespassers are already on the land.
Often times, the signage is being erected after the trespassers have established their presence. It is just like medicine after death.
5. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: Pending when the land owner is ready to start construction work on the land. It is advisable to register your footprints on the soil of the land – such as surveying the entire land (corner piece/beacon numbers), erecting foundation, fencing the land, etc.
In the same spirit, the land owner should get acquainted with the neighbours and the community leaders. With a close rapport with the key stakeholders in the community, it would be difficult to encroach on your land or alienate the land without a spy notifying you.
In conclusion, do not wait until someone encroach on your land before speaking up or doing the right thing.