Aminu Sani Yakasai
Associate
Industry
Real Estate
Acquisitions, leases, development, financing, title perfection and property disputes, with particular experience in the FCT.
Overview
Property transactions in Nigeria turn on title, consents and careful due diligence. We advise buyers, sellers, developers, landlords, tenants and lenders, particularly in Abuja and the FCT.
We carry out title searches, including at the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), draft and negotiate sale, lease and development agreements, obtain Governor’s or Minister’s consent and register instruments. We also advise on real estate investment structures and on the financing and security of property projects.
We act in land disputes, recovery of premises and landlord and tenant matters, and advise on revocation and compensation questions.
What we do
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Due Diligence
Conducting thorough due diligence to assess the legal and financial viability of real estate investments, ensuring informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
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Asset Acquisitions and Dispositions
Facilitating seamless acquisition and sale of real estate assets, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and optimal transaction outcomes.
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Collaborative Real Estate Development Agreements
Structuring and negotiating agreements for joint ventures (JVs) and partnerships in real estate development projects, fostering successful collaborations.
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Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Advising on the formation and execution of PPPs for large-scale real estate projects, ensuring balanced agreements that benefit both public and private sectors.
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Formation and Structuring of Investment and Operations Vehicles
Advising on the creation and organization of entities for effective investment management and operational efficiency in real estate projects.
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Deal Structuring
Designing and implementing tailored deal frameworks to meet the unique needs of clients, ensuring optimal legal and financial outcomes.
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Debt and Equity Capital Markets Offerings and Loans
Assisting clients in navigating capital markets to secure funding through debt and equity instruments, supporting project financing and growth.
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Securitizations and Financings
Structuring and negotiating complex financing arrangements for various real estate projects, ensuring robust financial support.
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Zoning, Planning, Licensing, and Regulatory Matters
Providing expert advice on compliance with zoning, planning, licensing, and regulatory requirements, ensuring smooth project approvals.
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Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Representing clients in disputes related to real estate transactions and developments, offering robust litigation and dispute resolution services.
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Engineering, Procurement, and Commissioning Contracts
Drafting and negotiating contracts for engineering, procurement, and commissioning activities, ensuring clear terms and successful project delivery.
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Project Management and Development Contracts
Managing contracts throughout the lifecycle of real estate projects, from inception to completion, ensuring project success.
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Operations and Management Contracts
Structuring agreements for the ongoing operation and management of real estate assets, ensuring efficient and effective management.
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Concession Agreements
Negotiating and drafting concession agreements for the operation of real estate projects, facilitating long-term partnerships and project sustainability.
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Mortgage Financing
Providing legal support for mortgage financing, ensuring clear terms, compliance with regulations, and protection of clients' interests throughout the process.
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Islamic Law Financing
Offering expertise in Sharia-compliant financing solutions, including Murabaha, Ijara, Musharaka, and Sukuk, ensuring compliance with Islamic law principles while meeting the financial needs of real estate projects.
Our team
FAQs
Land in the Federal Capital Territory is vested in the Federal Government and administered by the Minister of the FCT, who grants statutory rights of occupancy evidenced by a Certificate of Occupancy.
Under the Land Use Act 1978, a holder of a statutory right of occupancy needs the consent of the Governor (or the Minister in the FCT) to assign, mortgage or sublease it. A transaction without consent is open to challenge.
At least a search at the land registry or AGIS to confirm title and encumbrances, a site inspection, checks on the seller’s identity and authority, and, for a company seller, a search at the Corporate Affairs Commission.