The Nigerian real estate sector, one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries, continues to attract billions of naira in daily transactions ranging from land acquisitions to housing and commercial development. Against this backdrop, Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN, FCIArb (U.K), has emphasized the pivotal role of lawyers in ensuring transparency, legal compliance, and ethical conduct in real estate investments.
In his latest publication titled “Opportunities, Role & Ethical Responsibilities of Solicitors in Real Estate Investment in Nigeria”, Atoyebi SAN underscored that while the sector is highly lucrative, it remains complex and susceptible to legal pitfalls that require professional vigilance.
He explained that real estate investment extends beyond traditional land banking to include residential, commercial, agricultural, and capital market-based transactions — each presenting distinct legal and regulatory challenges. According to him, lawyers play a vital role in structuring deals, verifying title documents, conducting due diligence, drafting contracts, and ensuring that investors’ interests are legally protected.
Atoyebi SAN further stressed the importance of ethical responsibility, citing the Latin maxim “Nemo plus iuris ad alium transferre potest quam ipse habet,” meaning no one can transfer a better title than they have. He noted that this principle remains the bedrock of conveyancing practice in Nigeria and urged solicitors to uphold integrity, confidentiality, and diligence in their professional dealings.
The Senior Advocate encouraged practitioners to stay informed about emerging real estate trends and regulatory reforms, especially as technological innovation, urban expansion, and institutional investment continue to reshape the landscape.
For more insights, the full article is available on the Omaplex Law Firm website: omaplex.com.ng.
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Opportunities, Role & Ethical Responsibilities of Solicitors In Real Estate Investment In Nigeria
