Land Measurements in Nigeria — Plots, Acres, Hectares & Square Meters
What is the measurement of a plot of land? How does that translate into square meters? How does a plot stack up against an acre or a hectare? These are common inquiries among real estate buyers and sellers in Nigeria, and the answers can vary widely depending on whom you consult.
In Nigeria, there are several terms used to describe or measure land size. Understanding these terms is crucial for making informed choices and securing the best properties at competitive prices.
In cities like Ibadan, Abuja, and Lagos, official land documents typically refer to measurements in square meters. However, sellers and agents often prefer using terms like plots, acres, hectares, and square feet. These different units can be converted into one another.
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This article aims to assist you with these conversions and address some frequently asked questions about land sizes.
What exactly is a plot of land?
It's important to note that there is no universally accepted size for a plot of land. The term "plot" is quite flexible and can refer to any piece of land. Plots can serve various purposes, such as constructing a home or engaging in agricultural activities. When considering purchasing land, your first inquiry to a developer or agent should be, "What is the size of the plot?"
The dimensions of a plot can be expressed in various units, including acres, hectares, square feet, or square meters. These units are categorized under two global measurement systems: Imperial (which includes feet and acres) and metric (which includes meters and hectares).
Acres and hectares are larger units typically used for extensive areas like forests and agricultural land. In contrast, feet and meters are more suitable for smaller plots, particularly in urban settings where one might consider building a family home.
In Nigeria, a plot generally refers to smaller sections of land. Since the country predominantly utilizes the metric system, these plots are often measured in square meters. Consequently, official land documents are also formatted in square meters. It's always a good idea to inquire with any land seller about the size of a plot in square meters.
Common land measurement units utilized in Nigeria
Meter (m)
The meter is a primary unit of length in the metric system, equivalent to 100 centimeters or approximately 39.37 inches.
Foot (ft)
The foot, with its plural form being feet, is a unit of length in the imperial measurement system. It measures 30.48 centimeters or 12 inches.
Square meters (sqm)
The square meter is a key metric unit for area. It represents the area of a square with each side measuring 1 meter. Its symbol is m², and it is commonly used to measure spaces such as rooms, houses, and plots of land.
Square foot (sq ft)
The square foot, or square feet in plural, is an area unit in the imperial system. One square foot is defined as the area of a square with each side measuring 1 foot.
Acre
An acre is a widely recognized unit of area in Nigeria, often used to measure large pieces of land. One acre is equal to 4046.86 square meters. It represents about 40% of a hectare and is roughly comparable to the size of a standard football field.
Hectare
A hectare is a measurement unit primarily used for extensive land areas, such as large agricultural fields. One hectare measures 100 meters by 100 meters, totaling 10,000 square meters. This unit is also equivalent to approximately 2.47 acres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the typical size of a plot of land in Nigeria?
While there isn't a universally accepted size, a common plot of land in Nigeria is approximately 100 feet by 100 feet, which translates to about 30 meters by 30 meters, or 10,000 square feet, equating to 900 square meters. A half plot is generally considered to be 50 feet by 100 feet, or 15 meters by 30 meters, totaling 5,000 square feet, which is around 450 square meters.
Plot sizes can vary depending on the state, with common dimensions being 18 m x 30 m (540 sqm) and 18 m x 36 m (648 sqm; Lagos). Therefore, it's crucial to always ask for sizes in square meters to make comparisons easier.
How many plots of land make an acre?
As mentioned earlier, an acre is equivalent to 4046.86 square meters. If we consider a plot of land to be 900 square meters, then one acre would contain approximately 4.5 plots (4046.86/900).
How many plots of land make a hectare?
If we define a plot as 900 sqm, then since a hectare consists of 10,000 square meters, one hectare is equal to about 11.1 plots (10,000/900).
How do you measure the size of a plot of land?
Knowing the size of a plot is essential whether you're buying or selling. You can find this information on the survey plan, but it's advisable to hire a professional surveyor to physically measure the land before any transaction takes place.
Helpful land measurement conversions
| Unit of area | Conversion unit |
| 1 Plot | 18 m x 30 m = 540 sqm or 18 m × 36 m = 648 sqm or 30 m x 30 m = 900 sqm ***Note, Sizes of plots do vary: always ask for plot sizes in square meters*** |
| 1 Acre | 43,560 square feet or 4046.86 square meters or 0.404686 hectares |
| 1 Hectare | 10,000 square metres or 2.47 acres |
| 1 Square meter (sqm) | 10.76 sq feet |
| 1 Square feet (sq feet) | 0.093 sqm |
| 1 Meter (m) | 3.28 ft |
| 1 Foot (ft) | 0.3048 m |
AskTFP Homes and Properties Estate Agents. If you are looking for a house, flat, land or commercial property, to buy or rent — visit our property or land listings channel. You can also send a property request.
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