Different Land Measurements in Nigeria(Plots & Hectares)

If you have ever purchased or considered investing in a landed property before, you will definitely be familiar with land measurements. Sometimes, it can be confusing for those who are entirely new to it. From plots to hectares and everything in between, having a clear understanding of these land dimensions is critical for your next property investment.

I can recall years back when I accompanied a developer to a new site, the surveyor kept measuring every corner of the land, and I was eager to ask about the process. Those same questions might come to mind when your next plot of land is being measured. Let me simplify it for you and walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is Land Measurements?

Land measurement is the process of determining the exact size and area of a piece of land, which is often expressed in square meters (Sqm), acres, or hectares, by calculating its dimensions and using the appropriate formulas.

Common Land Measurements Units in Nigeria

1. Plot

A plot is one of the most commonly used units of land measurement in Nigeria. It is essentially a smaller division of a larger piece of land. In real estate, plots are often used to describe the size of land available for sale or development.

• What Is a Standard Plot Size In Nigeria: A “standard” plot in Nigeria is generally 648 square meter or 18 meters by 36 meters. However, this can vary depending on the state, the area, or even the land surveyor. An example is that of south-west Nigeria where a standard plot of land is usually 500 to 800 square meters.

Uses of A Plot of Land

• Building residential homes (bungalows, duplexes, etc.).
• Developing commercial spaces like shops or offices.
• Allocating smaller portions of farmland.

2. Hectare

A hectare is a much larger measurement of land. It is the equivalent of 10,000 square meters or about 2.47 acres. To put it into perspective, one hectare can contain roughly 15 to 16 standard plots in Nigeria, depending on plot size variations.

3. Acre

An acre is smaller than a hectare but larger than a plot. It equals about 4,046.86 square meters or 6 plots of land (using the standard Nigerian plot size). Acres are often used for larger-scale land transactions, such as farmland or estates.

4. Square Meter (m²)

The square meter is the smallest unit of land measurement in Nigeria. It’s often used for calculating very specific land sizes or irregular shapes. For example, if a property is not a perfect rectangle, the size is often given in square meters.

Property Measurement Standard In Nigeria

Nigeria follows globally recognized land measurements practices but adapts them to local needs and customs. Here are some key standards:

1. Residential Land:

• In most urban areas, residential plots are 450 sqm (standard plot size).
• In some luxury estates, larger plots like 600 sqm or 1,000 sqm may be offered.

2. Commercial Land

• Commercial plots in Nigeria are usually bigger to accommodate parking and other facilities, ranging from 900 sqm to 1,500 sqm or more.

3. Agricultural Land

• Farmlands are often sold in acres or hectares, given their larger size.

Plot Sizes In Different Nigerian States

Interestingly, plot sizes are not uniform across Nigeria. They can vary depending on the state or region. Below is a comparison of plot sizes in different Nigerian states:

State	Standard Plot Size	Reason
Lagos state	60ft by 120ft (68sqm)	Slightly larger than the national standard
Abuja (FCT)	50ft by 100ft (450sqm)	Follows the national standard
Rivers state	50ft by 100ft (450sqm)	Follows the national standard
Enugu state	60ft by 120ft (68ssqm)	Slightly larger than the national standard
Kano state	50ft by 100ft (450sqm)	Follows the national standard

Table Showing Different Plot Sizes

Understand Land Dimensions

If you’ve ever wondered what those numbers—50ft by 100ft, or 60ft by 120ft—really mean, here’s a quick explanation:

50 ft by 100 ft

This is a rectangle-shaped plot with a width of 50 feet and a length of 100 feet. Converting it to square meters:

• 1 foot = 0.3048 meters, so
• 50ft x 100ft ≈ 15m x 30m = 450 sqm.

60 FT By 120 FT

Similar to the above, this dimension converts to:

• 18m x 36m = 648 sqm.

How to Convert Land Measurements

Understanding how to convert between different land measurement units can save you a lot of confusion. Here’s a simple table to guide you:

Measurement Unit	Equivalent Size
1 Hectare	10,000 sqm
1 Acre	4,046.86 sqm or 6 plots (450 sqm)
1 Plot	450 sqm (50ft by 100ft)

Table showing Different measurement units and conversions

Things To Consider When By Land In Nigeria

• Always verify the size of the land on paper (survey plan) and on-site.
• Understand local variations as plot sizes may differ depending on the location or the seller’s standards.
• Hire a professional surveyor that can help ensure the land size aligns with what’s being advertised.
• Ensure the land has a proper title document (e.g., Certificate of Occupancy) to avoid disputes.

Conclusion

Land measurement in Nigeria doesn’t have to be confusing! By understanding the basics like how plots, hectares, and acres work, you’ll be better equipped to navigate real estate transactions. If you’re buying a plot for a family home or investing in hectares for farmland, knowing these standards will save you time and money.