Every individual possesses the desire to protect their life and property. Which has always
been a priority of man.
Nigeria’s security -like every nation, has areas where it could improve. Crimes like mugging,
burgery, and other crimes are common in large cities. But securing your property goes beyond
protecting it from possible violent crimes.
Securing your property against unexpected happenings like natural disasters and even
having them hijacked from you by other parties should be considered when making plans to
secure your real estate. This should be included in your property management plan.
However, there are actions you can take to secure your home. Including other properties
within your real estate portfolio.
In this article, there will be pointers on steps and tips on how to protect your property in
Nigeria. We grouped a number of these tips into two parts;
● Securing your home
● Securing your investments
SECURING YOUR HOME
Break-ins and burglaries are common occurrences in Nigeria -especially in its larger cities. The
experience is very disorienting -whether you witness it as it happens or you come home to see
your home intruded.
This makes home security an important priority for people looking to secure their homes and
protect the life and welfare of their loved ones also.
Here we will share some tips on how to protect your home. It does not matter if it’s a rented
apartment or the house you built yourself, these tips will help secure your dwelling.
❖ Securing Your Doors, Windows and Other Openings
This might look simple and sound obvious. However, you should not downplay its importance.
The majority of break-ins and burglary entry points come from the doors and windows.
Sometimes home burglary occurs because doors and windows aren’t locked.
Your exterior doors should be strong enough to offer protection and designed not to trap you
within the structure in emergencies.
Openings close to the door -like mailboxes and pet holes should not be fixed close to the door
locking mechanism. Interior doors should also be locked when not in use.
Windows should not be left out or ignored too. Although people generally try to shut their
windows, some still forget to lock them after.
If you doubt the security of your doors and windows, it would be best to get fittings and make
fixtures to strengthen them. Use of window bars and burglary-proof doors, reinforcing the
frames or changing the doors and windows entirely.
Other openings like garage doors, chimneys, and skylights should be properly secured.
❖ Light Up the Area Around Your Home and Try to Eliminate Hiding Places
Surrounding your home with powerful outdoor lighting appliances. Powerful lighting helps
secure your home -as it creates a spotlight on any individual approaching your home.
The front and back yards aren’t the only places that need lighting. The sides of your house, and
the fences if possible should also have powerful lighting. This usually discourages burglars as
they tend to avoid places where they can be seen.
Places that might provide cover for crooks should be given attention to. Shrubs and bushes
should be cut or placed a distance from the house. Corners and in-lays in the wall should be lit
up as much as possible.
❖ Installing Security Cameras and Alarm Systems
Installing security cameras in your home is a double positive for you when it comes to
securing your home. They not only act as a deterrent but also help individuals in their attempts
to catch the crook and get justice.
The basic idea for alarm systems in homes has been in existence for a long time. The use of
dogs as guard animals only served as the foundation for better systems. With alarm systems
developed as far as to detect motions within an area.
The installation of security cameras and alarm systems has been made to be more
convenient for owners. Several systems can now be monitored and controlled through the
phones of owners.
Although, the installation of cameras and alarm systems in the home is not cheap. It can be
said to be worth every amount spent for the welfare of you and your family, including your
property.
SECURING YOUR INVESTMENTS
After making your investments in the Nigerian property market, it is important to put sufficient
effort into securing your property investments.
Securing your property investment in Nigeria not only physically with a fence but also
legally by having the right title to land. When investing in real estate in Nigeria, understanding
the laws of Nigeria regarding property ownership is important.
The property -its measurement and description, should also be registered with the relevant
ministry so it can be recorded under the name of the new owner. There is the stamping,
registration, and obtaining the governor’s consent which is between 1.5% to 3% of the fair value
of the land -this is for land in Lagos.
In summary, you as the owner are expected to complete all transactions and actions securing
the property as yours to prevent issues arising in the future from the purchase of land. This is
referred to as “perfection” and includes actions like payments on stamp duties and registering
the land as an instrument with the corporate affairs commission -when the property is obtained
by a company.
When you complete the registration the law and the lands registry will recognize you as the
owner of the land, and will favor you against any other in the case of dispute over the said land.
Note that land purchased without perfection is not legally acknowledged by the law.
How do you perfect your land title? After you pay the price of land -or the property whichever
the case might be, and sign documents with the seller, the next on your agenda when securing
the land, is perfection.
A legal practitioner will be the party to process the perfection of the land after you supply the
required documents including the seller’s title document, survey plans, plan and picture of the
property, and other copies indicating the transfer of title.
In conclusion, No individual will wish to experience loss of any kind. Be it the loss of
possessions or a loved one. Security consciousness is required to prevent both at least to an
extent.
More so, when possible before buying property in Nigeria or renting an apartment. One should
research the security of the area and its surroundings. Ask questions from your realtor, the real
estate agency, and even neighbors.
Insurance can help you secure your property in situations of natural disasters like floods and
even accidents. This protects your investments so you aren’t heavily hit by such events.
The whole process might appear overwhelming, but its importance makes it worth it. There are
more ways to secure your investments in Nigeria’s real estate, and engaging experienced
and trusted real estate agencies will help you with the process.
You can engage them for consultations or you can employ their services -letting them handle
the entire process professionally and at your convenience
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