When it comes to buying land in Nigeria, “Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)” often takes center stage — and for good reason. It’s one of the strongest land titles you can get.
But here’s the thing: it’s not the only title that’s legally valid. In fact, understanding the different types of land titles could be the smartest decision you make as a buyer or investor.
Common Land Titles in Nigeria:
- C of O (Certificate of Occupancy): Issued by the state government, this certifies legal ownership for 99 years.
- Governor’s Consent: Required when a property with an existing C of O is sold to a new buyer.
- Deed of Assignment: A legally binding transfer of ownership between two parties — often awaiting Governor’s Consent.
- Excision + Gazette: These apply to lands reclaimed from government acquisition and published in the official record.
- Registered Survey + Deed of Contract: Common for properties still undergoing documentation. Not final titles, but can be legally useful when verified.
- A property without a C of O isn’t necessarily illegal — but you must verify its status and documentation with a real estate lawyer or through the appropriate land registry
