How Many Plots Make an Acre and Hectare in Nigeria? (2026 Ultimate Guide + Charts)

Are you confused about how plots and land measurements in Nigeria? You are not alone.

Whether you are a first-time buyer in Lekki, a commercial investor in Abuja, or a student studying surveying, the question “How many plots make an acre?” is the most searched real estate question in Nigeria today.

The problem? Land sizes are not standardized. A “plot” in Lagos is different from a “plot” in Enugu. If you don’t understand the difference between square meters, acres, and hectares, you could overpay for land or face legal issues later.

In this comprehensive guide, Realtor Kingsley breaks down exactly how many plots make an acre and a hectare, provides conversion tables for every state in Nigeria, and teaches you how to avoid being scammed.

Why You Need to Understand Plot Sizes Before Buying

In the Nigerian real estate market, “Plot” is the most common unit of measurement. However, developers and agents often use “Acres” or “Hectares” for large tracts of land.

If an agent says, “This land is 5 acres,” and you don’t know that 1 acre is roughly 6 plots, you might think it’s a massive space—or a small one.

The Risk: Buying land without understanding the conversion leads to:

1. Boundary Disputes: Buying a “half plot” that is actually 300sqm instead of 450sqm.
2. Overpayment: Paying N20M for a “plot” that is actually half a standard size.
3. Project Failure: Buying land for a 10-unit apartment block, only to realize the acreage is too small for the zoning laws.

Let’s dive into the numbers.

1. The Standard Plot Size in Nigeria: The “60×120” Rule

Before we calculate acres and hectares, we must define the base unit: The Plot.

In most urban centers in Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan), the standard plot size is 60 feet by 120 feet.

However, when converted to the metric system (which is the legal standard for documentation), this changes:

• 60ft x 120ft = 18.3m x 36.6m
• Total Area = 669.78 Square Meters (approx. 670sqm)

⚠️ Warning: In some areas (like Epe or Sangotedo), a “standard plot” might be sold as 450sqm or 500sqm. Always ask for the survey plan!

2. How Many Plots Make an Acre?

An Acre is an imperial unit of measurement widely used in the British Commonwealth (which Nigeria was part of). It is the standard unit for large agricultural or residential estates.

The Exact Math:

Lagos Plot Size Variations

Key Takeaway: If a developer sells you “1 Acre” but cuts it into 10 small units, those are likely “commercial mini-plots,” not standard residential plots.

See: How to Verify Land Documents in Nigeria (2025 Guide & Checklist)

3. How Many Plots Make a Hectare?

A Hectare is a metric unit (10,000 square meters). It is the legal standard used by government surveyors and large commercial developers (like Dangote or private estate developers).

The Exact Math:

• 1 Hectare = 10,000 Square Meters
• Standard Nigerian Plot = 670sqm

Calculation:
$10,000\text{ sqm}÷670\text{ sqm}=14.9\text{ Plots}$

The Answer:

1 Hectare = Approximately 15 Plots (in a standard 60x120ft layout).

Why Hectares Matter for Investors

If you are buying land for commercial purposes (a school, factory, or shopping mall), always think in Hectares.

• 1 Hectare can comfortably fit a standard football pitch + parking + a small building.
• 1 Acre is often too small for heavy commercial zoning in high-density areas like Ikeja or Victoria Island.

4. The Ultimate Land Size Conversion Chart (Nigeria Edition)

To make this easy for you, I have created a cheat sheet. Bookmark this page!

5. Regional Differences: Plot Sizes Across Nigeria

Not all land is created equal. The size of a “plot” changes depending on the state and the location (urban vs. rural).

A. Lagos State (The Gold Standard)

• Ikoyi/VI/Lekki: Strictly 60x120ft (670sqm). Anything less is a “commercial plot.”
• Epe/Ibeju-Lekki: Mixed. You find 60x120ft and 50x100ft (460sqm).
• Agege/Alimosho: Often 50x100ft or 40x80ft due to high density.

B. Abuja (FCT)

• Phase 1-4: Standard 60x120ft (670sqm) or 50x100ft (460sqm).
• Kuje/Bwari (Outskirts): Plots can be massive—sometimes 1,000sqm per plot (almost 2 standard plots combined).

C. Other Key States

• Oyo/Ibadan: 60x120ft is standard, but “Agricultural land” is sold by Acres.
• Rivers/Port Harcourt: 50x100ft is very common in the city center.
• Anambra/Onitsha: High density leads to smaller plots (300-400sqm).

Expert Tip: Never assume. Always ask: “What is the size in square meters?” not just “How many plots?”

See: Top 10 Real Estate Scams in Nigeria and How to Avoid Omonile Wahala

6. How to Calculate Land Size on Your Own (The “Bamboo” Method)

You don’t always have a surveyor present. If you are viewing land, you can do a rough estimate using simple math.

Step 1: Measure the Length and Width
Use a measuring tape (minimum 30 meters long).

• Walk the length.
• Walk the width.

Step 2: Multiply

• Length (m) $\times$ Width (m) = Total Area (sqm).

Step 3: Divide by Standard Size

• If the result is roughly 670sqm, it’s 1 plot.
• If the result is roughly 4,000sqm, it’s roughly 1 acre.

Example: Land Size Evaluation

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These are the questions I get asked most often by my clients at Realtor Kingsley.

Q1: Is 1 Acre bigger than 1 Hectare?
A: No. 1 Hectare is bigger.

• 1 Hectare = 10,000 sqm
• 1 Acre = 4,047 sqm
• Therefore, 1 Hectare = 2.47 Acres. If someone offers you 1 Hectare for the price of 1 Acre, grab it—it’s a bargain!

Q2: How many 50×100 plots are in an Acre?
A: A 50x100ft plot is roughly 460sqm.

• $4,047÷460=8.8\text{ plots}$.
• So, 1 Acre contains almost 9 plots of 50x100ft.

Q3: What is a “Commercial Plot”?
A: In Lagos, a commercial plot is usually a half-plot (300sqm or 350sqm) located on a tarred road, designated for shops or offices rather than residential housing.

Q4: Why do survey plans show different numbers?
A: Survey plans use precise coordinates. Sometimes the “beacon” marks don’t align perfectly with the fence due to road setbacks or encroachment. Always buy land with a Governor’s Consent and a verified survey plan.

Q5: How much does a plot of land cost in Lekki?
A: Prices vary by location. As of 2024:

• Epe/Awoyaya: N3.5M – N8M per plot.
• Ajah/Sangotedo: N12M – N25M per plot.
• Ikoyi/Banana Island: N100M+ per plot.
  (Check our current listings for accurate pricing).

See: The 5 Fastest Growing Neighborhoods in Abuja for 2025: Where Smart Investors Are Rushing to Buy Land

8. 5 Red Flags When Buying Land in Acres/Hectares

As a real estate expert, I have seen investors lose millions to these scams. Watch out:

1. The “Invisible” Acre: The agent shows you a map, but the actual land is swampy or inaccessible. Solution: Do a physical site inspection.
2. The “Sub-divided” Acre: Buying 1/10th of an acre without a formal sub-division plan from the government. Solution: Ensure the land has C of O (Certificate of Occupancy).
3. The Measurement Scam: Selling 300sqm as “60×120.” Solution: Bring a surveyor or use GPS coordinates.
4. Omo-Onile Issues: Buying large hectares without settling the community. Solution: Verify the receipt of payment to the community.
5. Non-Surveyed Land: Buying “Acres” of land that has never been beaconed by a government surveyor.

9. Why You Should Invest in Land Now (The Appreciation Factor)

Understanding these measurements isn’t just about math; it’s about profit.

• Land Appreciates: In Lagos, land doubles in value every 5-7 years.
• Development: As the government builds roads (like the Lekki-Epe Expressway), raw land turns into “plotted land,” increasing value by 300%.
• Acreage Deals: Buying a full acre (6 plots) is often cheaper per plot than buying 6 individual plots separately. You save on documentation fees and agency fees.

Case Study:
A client bought 2 acres in Ibeju-Lekki in 2018 for N15M total. Today, selling just 1 acre fetches N25M. That is a 60% ROI in 6 years, just by holding the land.

10. Conclusion: Get It Right, or Don’t Buy

Land is the safest investment in Nigeria, but only if you know the numbers.

• 1 Acre = 6 Plots (Standard)
• 1 Hectare = 15 Plots (Standard)
• 1 Plot = 60x120ft (670sqm) usually.

Don’t let confusing measurements cost you your hard-earned money. Whether you are looking for a residential plot in Abuja or a commercial hectare in Lagos, accuracy is key.

Need Help Verifying Land Size?

I am Kingsley, a licensed realtor with years of experience in Nigerian land transactions. I don’t just sell land; I verify it.

📞 Call/WhatsApp me today:+234 703 554 8972
🌐 Browse Verified Listings: Properties

Let’s walk the land together. No surprises, just solid investment.