How Building Approval Shields Your Dream Home & The Overlooked Power of Building Approval

Why Building Approval Matters More Than You Think

In Nigeria, the journey to homeownership is often a story of sacrifice. We save for years, cut down on expenses, and finally scrape together enough to buy land or start building. At that point, the last thing we want to do is “waste” over a million naira on government approval instead of moving to site and starting foundation.

It’s common to hear: “I already have my title. Isn’t that enough?”
Or: “Approval is just for revenue; I’ll sort it later.”

But here’s the hard truth: the title alone doesn’t protect your building. Approval does. Skipping it could cost you more than just money. It could cost you your home.

Title vs. Approval: Ownership vs. Compliance

Think of the title as ownership. It proves that the land belongs to you. Whether your land changes hands once or ten times, the government updates the record to confirm the new ownership.

But approval is compliance.
It's how the government acknowledges and confirms that what you’re building and how you’re using the land aligns with government zoning, planning, and environmental laws. Approval is what makes ownership usable and secure.

Without approval, your land may still be yours, but your building has no legal standing.

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Why Buildings Get Demolished

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One of the biggest fears homeowners have is demolition. And yes, buildings without approval are at the highest risk. But here’s the nuance: demolition usually happens for two main reasons:

1. To correct a wrong – e.g., a structure blocking a drainage canal and causing flooding.
2. To change land use – e.g., reclaiming land to build a new road, station, or public infrastructure.

Now, whether your building will be demolished depends on whether it’s approvable or not.

• If it’s not approvable (wrong title, zoning violations, unsuitable/unsafe use, like building under high-tension electricity cables), demolition is almost guaranteed.
• If it’s approvable, the government often allows you to correct errors, pay fines, or adjust documentation. Demolition is usually the last resort.

Smart homeowners avoid these risks from the onset. They don’t just buy land; they buy peace of mind.
That’s why every Land-Pool slot includes building approval guidance as part of the package. No delays, no hidden costs, no risk of waking up to “demolition news.”

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Security of Tenure: Why Approval Is Protection

In housing law, there’s something called security of tenure. It means that whether you rent or own, you cannot be arbitrarily evicted, whether by the government, landlords, or agencies.

But here’s the catch: without approval, you don’t enjoy this protection. Even if you bought your land from the governor himself, your building could still be declared unauthorized and pulled down.

Approval legitimizes your occupancy. It shows your structure is recognized, compliant, and protected under law. Without it, your home sits on shaky ground, legally speaking.
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Approval as “Double-Factor Authentication”

Think about the way banks protect your accounts with two-step verification. That’s exactly what building approval does for your property.

During approval, the government doesn’t just check your drawings. They also:

• Verify your land title.
• Confirm zoning and land use compliance.
• Assess impact on resources like water, electricity, and roads.

This double validation ensures your title and your building are both legitimate. It’s a safeguard against fraudulent titles, clerical errors, or misuse of land.

And here’s the bonus: if the government ever reclaims your land for public use, approval entitles you to compensation. Without it, you get nothing.
Skipping approval is the #1 mistake that puts homes at risk of demolition. But with Land-Pool, approval isn’t an afterthought; it’s automatic.

Your co-ownership slot comes pre-cleared, pre-approved, and future-proofed.

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Forget Everything Else, But Remember This:

Approval is not just another government revenue stream. While it generates revenue for the government, it remains:

• A shield against demolition.
• An insurance policy for your investment.
• A legal leverage tool that guarantees protection and compensation.
  
  

So before you break ground, pause. Secure approval first. With Land-Pool, you don’t have to. We’ve baked approval right into the process so your title and plans are double-checked, compliant, and protected before you build.

Because the true cost of skipping it isn’t just the risk of demolition but also losing your peace of mind, your bargaining power, and possibly your entire life savings.

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