Lagos State has introduced mandatory insurance for all commercial buildings above two floors, while also launching a full digital land system (E-GIS) aimed at making property transactions faster, safer, and more transparent.
The new system allows instant land searches, online applications, digital certificates, and real-time verification of ownership and approvals.
According to the state government, the initiative is designed to ensure safer buildings, reduce fake documents, and improve overall transparency in the property market. This means property buyers and tenants can now verify approvals and ownership online before committing, giving them greater confidence in their investments.
Experts say this policy changes how risk is assessed in Lagos real estate. Investors and tenants will now need to ask not just whether a building is attractive, but also if it is properly insured and whether its title and approvals can be verified digitally. Compliant assets in well-planned districts are expected to gain more attention and value.
Some property developers are already aligning with these new standards. Projects like Pink Star in Eko Atlantic, which offers 96 titled residences off Eko Boulevard, demonstrate how proper approvals, digital verification, and insurance-backed structures can attract buyers and investors.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on Enterprise GIS and Urban Development, emphasized that the digital platform integrates multiple title systems into a single, transparent framework. This harmonization is expected to reduce fraud and streamline land administration across the city.
For investors and tenants, the key takeaway is clear: the new Lagos rules make it possible to check a property’s insurance and verify its title online, providing peace of mind and reducing risks in one of Africa’s fastest-growing real estate markets.
